In the blink of an eye four members of his family including his wife were killed in a car accident and several others were injured while he worked more than 4,000 kilometres away.
About two weeks ago Francisco Aguilar Jaimez received the devastating call that his wife, mother-in-law and two of his sister’s in law, had been killed and his two daughters were in hospital in Mexico.
A few days after the accident he was able to get a flight back to Mexico to be with his family.
In addition to his indescribable grief, Jaimez is facing additional financial hardship as medical costs are not covered in Mexico. The government is also charging him for damage caused to the road during the accident.
Jaimez is one of the first migrant workers to work in the Similkameen. He has worked on a variety of farms over the last 10 years.
He is expected to return to work before the end of August.
The El Faro Society for Migrant Workers is holding a bake sale fundraiser for Jaimez and his family to help with the unexpected expenses. The bake sale is being held July 31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Donations can also be made by deposit directly to Jaimez’s account at the Valley First Credit Union Keremeos account #621672.