Justice for Jeleel
Donation protected
In 2008, Jeleel Stewart, known to friends as Bushman, was working at a nursery in the Niagara Region through the Seasonal Agriculture Work Program. His left hand was crushed by a forklift at work, leaving him with permanent damage and chronic pain. Jeleel was sent back to Jamaica where he had physiotherapy and was partially compensated by WSIB (Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) for two years. In 2010, WSIB terminated his compensation and physio, citing that Jeleel could conceivably find work at a gas bar in Niagara because he still had one working hand, despite the fact that he lives in Jamaica.
That year Jeleel and his family lost their home when it was bulldozed for a new development. Unable to provide for his family of seven because of the injury, Jeleel has struggled with depression, health problems, and his pain is growing more unbearable by the day. The Stewart family has no money for food, hydro, fuel or school for their children. Despite these struggles, Jeleel and his family are some of the kindest people I have ever known. They continue to care for those around them and bring joy into the lives of all that meet them.
Since 2008, a handful of people in Niagara-on-the-Lake have been helping the Stewart family with some financial aid. But twelve years of doing what WSIB should have been doing all along has taken a toll. The money from this GoFundMe will go to Jeleel and his family in order to help support them for the next few months.
There are people trying to resolve the situation with WSIB on the behalf of Jeleel. WSIB is currently unresponsive, and in the meantime Jeleel and his family continue to struggle. Food prices in Jamaica are already high, but because of the impact of COVID-19, the prices have gotten even higher. We need help to bridge the gap between the current situation and WSIB meeting their obligations. If you are able, please donate to this wonderful family.
Jeleel's Story - Never Lose Hope:
https://youtu.be/XtXirXyAn18
Toronto Star Article
Migrant Justice Documentary
That year Jeleel and his family lost their home when it was bulldozed for a new development. Unable to provide for his family of seven because of the injury, Jeleel has struggled with depression, health problems, and his pain is growing more unbearable by the day. The Stewart family has no money for food, hydro, fuel or school for their children. Despite these struggles, Jeleel and his family are some of the kindest people I have ever known. They continue to care for those around them and bring joy into the lives of all that meet them.
Since 2008, a handful of people in Niagara-on-the-Lake have been helping the Stewart family with some financial aid. But twelve years of doing what WSIB should have been doing all along has taken a toll. The money from this GoFundMe will go to Jeleel and his family in order to help support them for the next few months.
There are people trying to resolve the situation with WSIB on the behalf of Jeleel. WSIB is currently unresponsive, and in the meantime Jeleel and his family continue to struggle. Food prices in Jamaica are already high, but because of the impact of COVID-19, the prices have gotten even higher. We need help to bridge the gap between the current situation and WSIB meeting their obligations. If you are able, please donate to this wonderful family.
Jeleel's Story - Never Lose Hope:
https://youtu.be/XtXirXyAn18
Toronto Star Article
Migrant Justice Documentary
Fundraising team (2)
Leah Godwin
Organizer
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Jodie Godwin
Team member