LA Galaxy team up with 4 clubs to support farm workers for Cesar Chavez Day

Five pro soccer teams in California — the LA Galaxy, LAFC, San Jose Earthquakes, Sacramento Republic and Oakland Roots — teamed up on Wednesday to announce that in honor of Cesar Chavez Day, they will form a coalition to help support farm workers in the state during the coronavirus pandemic.

The teams will raise money, with the LA Galaxy Foundation pledging $1,000, plus donations received today from the public, with proceeds going to the United Farm Workers Foundation. They will, in turn, use the money to provide ongoing relief for those impacted by the pandemic, and to help farm workers get COVID vaccines.

According to the press release, “According to recent studies, farm workers are not only more likely than the general public to be infected with COVID-19 but also more likely to die from it. In response to these findings, UFW Foundation has begun hosting vaccination events throughout California where thousands of farm workers have already received the COVID-19 vaccine since the beginning of March.”

Of course, farm workers have gotten more attention around the Galaxy the past couple years in large part due to the efforts of defender Julian Araujo, the son of farm workers who has worked hard to use his platform to point out the plight of farm workers and to offer material support to them. Farm workers are often immigrants, transient workers based on the nature of the work they do, paid a pittance and work in extremely dangerous conditions. As the vital part of the food chain, they are largely ignored but deserving of much more than they get.

If you are a farm worker or know someone who is: Vaccinations are available to all farm workers 18 years or older at no charge. No health insurance or doctor’s note is required. Farm workers are encouraged to call the bilingual toll-free call centers of UFW Foundation at (661) 501-4280 to see what vaccination events are near them.

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