South Jordan, Utah -- Last December, a group of QFloors employees spent a Saturday sorting and labeling hundreds of coats. They were the result of a coat drive sponsored by QFloors, and were shipped to Venezuela refugees in Cucuta, Columbia. For Antonio Ortega, QFloors B2B specialist, it was a deeply personal undertaking. He spearheaded the humanitarian project as a way of doing something for family and friends who were suffering deeply.

The political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela has had a tragic cost for Antonio. Just a few weeks ago, his 59-year old brother suddenly died during the massive Blackout in Venezuela. While details are sparse, it appears to have been due to a stroke triggered by dehydration, due to power and water supplies being cut off for 6 days.

“The infrastructures are failing because of years of mismanagement and corruption by government entities,” said Ortega. “My brother is only one of many, many victims.”

The loss of his brother is not the only personal impact Ortega has experienced. He and his family were granted legal political asylum in the U.S. after their house was burned down by those opposed to Ortega’s political activism.

Ortega has been working for QFloors for almost two years, where his technical experience has been a great asset. When he is not at work, he continues to try to do what he can to advocate for greater freedom in Venezuela and for the safety of loved ones who are victims of the devastating situation.

“We’re lucky to have [Antonio] on our QFloors team,” said Chad Ogden, QFloors president. “But he is living a story that is just hard to comprehend. Our hearts go out to him and even more so for the people who are suffering so greatly in Venezuela. The coat drive was just something we as a company could do to try to help and support in our small way.”