Border Angels’ ‘Walk for Workers’ raises funds as well as awareness

Enrique Morones and his band of Border Angels have talked the talk. Now they have walked the walk.

Border Angels volunteers and members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church brought together activists throughout San Diego County for the Walk of Workers Fundraiser that doubled as an awareness raiser. Southwestern College students joined in the effort.
Walk for Workers made it clear the situation for border crossing is not getting any better.

There are still too many people out in the deserts and mountains suffering or dying, Morones said. The Border Angels' founder has had a busy month speaking out across the nation against Arizona's SB 1070, the explosively controversial legislation that increases police powers to enforce immigration law.

Walk for Workers event volunteers hiked 3.5 miles in support of immigrants and raised money by selling t-shirts, water and many other items.

Terry Trejrulo, an event organizer, said he was happy about the turnout.

"Being our first organized Walk for Workers event, it went well raising awareness and money and next year will be even better," she said.

Walker Dr. Michael Akong said he has been doing this work for 23 years and volunteers his time for those in need, such as immigrants. Akong said he goes to small clinics to offer his services. He sees about three or four patients a week. Though he is a licensed acupuncturist, most of the immigrants he helps just want over-the-counter pain medication or vitamins, he said.

Walk for Workers organizers displayed photographs of immigrants highlighting the help they needed and the ordeal they must face.

"By spreading a clear message of hardship and love to Arizona, someone will hear," said Morones.

Every weekend a small group of volunteers reach out to a community of migrant workers living in canyons to bring food and water. Sometimes Catholic priests go to celebrate Mass.

"Immigrants not only deal with the fear of being caught while crossing the border but they also have to deal with the heat of the day, the cold temperatures of the night and the dangers of wild life," said Morones.

Dave McClure, 50, ran 35 miles starting at 3 a.m. in order to raise money.

"My intention was if everyone else is walking 3.5 miles then I will run 35 miles to raise awareness and money for a good cause," said McClure.

For about five years, volunteers from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church have gone to Mexico to visit small towns and homes of migrant workers they have met here in the U.S., helping them to go back home to their families. Most of the volunteers helped in paying for medical care and supplies for families, children, and elderly. Many volunteers said they are disheartened with the situation at large, particularly Arizona's anti-Latino law.

"It is so heartbreaking to find a family in refuge and to see a family separated," said Martie Martin, one of the organizers of Walk for Workers.

Morones was clear-eyed but more upbeat. He said Border Angels and other volunteers needed to remember the work of Jesus, Gandhi, King and Chavez.

"Never underestimate the power of one," he said. "One person helping one other person is powerful. Lots of people helping a few people at a time is a movement. We should all do what we can."