Helping people has become a daily calling for Victor Valladares. With the COVID-19 pandemic impacting many residents of his Oak View neighborhood in Huntington Beach, Victor’s aim has been to assist those who have suffered significantly from the virus.
For his efforts, CAIR-LA and the Boukai Family Foundation are recognizing Victor with the Everyday Heroes award, saluting the work and deeds of Southern Californians during these challenging times. Thanks to the Boukai Family Foundation, recipients receive $500.
In June 2015, Victor co-founded Oak View ComUNIDAD, a grassroots organization advocating for the predominantly Latinx community in Huntington Beach, where individuals and families have lost their jobs during the pandemic.
Through collaborative work with the nonprofit Power of One Foundation, the two groups have worked with the Orange County Food Bank, the Los Angeles Angels, the City of Santa Ana and other entities to assist in weekly emergency food distribution at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana.
More than 6,000 meals have been served for the past several weeks, Victor says.
“The camaraderie, humanitarian and selfless work of all volunteers helping people they don’t know is what keeps me coming back to help more families every week,” he adds.
Advocacy is another outlet for Oak View ComUNIDAD. Victor says the group helps to educate and empower Orange County residents regarding immigration rights, housing assistance and deportation defense.
Each week, CAIR-LA and the Boukai Family Foundation are recognizing the contributions of everyday people in Southern California making heroic efforts during coronavirus pandemic. To nominate someone for recognition, visit bit.ly/socaleverydayheroes