Time is running out for a Cambridge soccer coach facing deportation. Even though the coach's supporters say he works full time, volunteers countless hours and has a specialized university degree in soccer, the government says he must leave in early September.
At his last tournament of the season Hugo Charria says “I need to stay here for security and for a good life for my kids.”
Charria has the option of leaving to his native Columbia or Spain since he has citizenship there, he has until September 5th to make a decision. He was set on going to Columbia, but now he says he's undecided. His family has warned him it is too dangerous to come back.In Columbia he says he was kidnapped by guerillas or Spain where he suffered extreme racism and death threats.
Immigration Canada denied his application to stay on humanitarian grounds. The officer Cited there was not enough evidence to prove the danger to him and his family abroad.
Friend Kim Holford whose son plays for the same soccer team Charria coaches says she's gathering petitions and making last-ditch appeals to the government. “They’re wonderful people they're contributing and I don't understand. If they don't qualify to stay in Canada who does? “
To try and help Hugo stay the Holfords’ have put together a package containing letters of support from the community as well as evidence of his work experience and volunteering in Cambridge. They've sent it to multiple levels of government including their local Member of Parliament Gary Goodyear, immigration minister Jason Kenney and even the Prime Minister's office.
But Holford says Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig is the only one who has responded with support and Hugo says all he can do now is pray for the federal government to change its mind.
To show your support you can contact the Holford family at canada.needs.hugo@gmail.com
