GAINESVILLE, GA. – Several organizations are collaborating on a relief fund in support of families who lost loved ones to a fatal accident at a Foundation Food Group poultry processing facility in Gainesville, Ga., on Jan. 28.

A line carrying liquid nitrogen ruptured, and the resulting cloud of odorless gas spread into the facility killing Saulo Suarez-Bernal, Jose De-Jesus Elias-Cabrera, Corey Alan Murphy, Nelly Perez-Rafael, Victor Vellez and Edgar Vera-Garcia. At least a dozen other employees were hospitalized.

To provide financial support the victims’ families the Northeast Georgia Latino Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Georgia Poultry Federation (GPF), US Poultry Foundation (USPF) and Foundation Food Group established “Gainesville Relief.” Funds will be collected through the US Poultry & Egg Harold E. Ford Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. Foundation Food Group is also providing counseling services for their employees.

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity and gestures of those who are contributing as well as the coordinated efforts of the NGLCC, GPF and USPF,” said Jerry Wilson, president and chief executive officer at Foundation Food Group. “This is a touching example of the Georgia community pulling together to help one another during this difficult time.”

Donations can be made directly to the US Poultry & Egg Harold E. Ford Foundation, 1530 Cooledge Road, Tucker, Ga., 30084. Donations by check should reference “Gainesville Relief” in the memo section. Donors are encouraged to contact the Georgia Poultry Federation (www.gapf.org) or the Northeast Georgia Latino Chamber of Commerce (www.neglatinochamber.com) for more details.