UFCW Canada - AWA help host Health Fair for BC migrant workers

Abbotsford, B.C. – September 1, 2014 – UFCW Canada, the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA), and a number of community allies recently hosted a Seasonal Agricultural Worker Health Fair in the agriculture community of Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Migrant agriculture workers from the Lower Mainland gathered at the event held at the at the Abbotsford Community Services office, to access health information and services and to enjoy an afternoon of food and refreshments.

The Health Fair strives to increase health and wellness among seasonal agriculture workers by providing attendees with free health services, information, and resources, while helping participating organizations gain awareness of the health-related challenges and priorities of migrant agriculture workers.

In addition to UFCW Canada - AWA, other organizations at the Health Fair included Abbotsford Community Services, the B.C. Federation of Labour, Street Nurses, and the Umbrella Mobile Clinic.

Visitors received information about health and safety in the workplace, labour rights, and union benefits, and were able to access free blood tests, vaccines, and checkupsprovided by a number of local health care professionals. The event-goers also enjoyed live music from the Byron Cruz team and Mexicanos viviendo en Vancouver, as well as traditional dances performed by Mexico en la piel.

"Thank you to all of the volunteers and organizations who donated their time and effort to help migrant workers access the information and services that they so badly need," says UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema. "Everyone had a great time, and we look forward to co-hosting another successful health fair next year," adds Brother Meinema.