The Race Track Chaplaincy of America and racetrack chaplaincy ministries in Chile have partnered to create the RTCA Chilean Racetrack Relief Fund to provide disaster aid to backstretch workers severely affected by recent earthquakes.
An emergency fund has been established by executive director Enrique Torres that will provide food, water, medicine, and other essential supplies to racetrack workers.
“Those in our horse racing are concerned for the health and safety of the workers and families at Chile’s six racetracks,” Torres said.
The situation has worsened since the initial earthquake. According to the New York Times, “two strong offshore tremors jolted the coastline of southern Chile on Friday morning striking close to the epicenter of the earthquake that devastated the country a week ago.”
“The situation is traumatic,” said Torres. “Many horse industry workers have lost their homes, or are without water and electricity. Many of them are being sheltered in the infield of the racetracks.”
Chaplains Eladio Rojas and Victor Stuardo, who operate the racetrack chaplaincy ministries in Chile, will administer monies provided by the RTCA Chilean Racetrack Relief Fund.
To contribute to the RTCA Chilean Racetrack Relief Fund, please send a check to: RTCA National, 400 E. College St., Georgetown, Ky. 40324, designated to Chilean relief. Contributions can also be made online at www.rtcanational.org. Online donations will automatically be designated to Chilean relief. RTCA is a non-profit organization, and donations are fully tax-deductable.