Human trafficking is 'blowing up': Fundraising fun run to help victims within the Parry Sound district
It's a bit of fun for a very serious reason.
District of Parry Sound Victim Services is hosting a #KINDNESSLOOKSGOODONYOU fundraising fun run to, in part, get signage and cards into bathroom stalls in the hopes of helping victims of human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is blowing up. A lot of people don't think it's here in a small town, but it is — it's here,” said victim specialist Angie Lonsdale.
The non-profit helps victims of human trafficking escape, supports victims' basic needs, finds counselling and can even help the person get home if they aren't from the area.
“We know more (trafficking) is happening than being reported because these women live in such horrible fear and they are so controlled by the person who is enslaving them,” said executive director Kathy Wilde, noting that sometimes the victim's only place of privacy is a washroom stall. “We need to become more visible and let victims know they can reach out to us, 24/7, totally confidentially and we're here to help as much as we possibly can.” In Canada, 95 per cent of victims of human trafficking are women and girls and 83 per cent of traffickers are men.
The fundraiser is modelled off a mud run with obstacles to overcome and is being held in Carling Township on July 16.
It is open to those aged 12 and over and costs $40 per person. Registration is online at psvs.ca.
Victim Services hopes the fun run will become an annual event that could be held in both the east and west side of the district.
In addition to supporting victims of human trafficking, Victim Services also works with emergency responders, such as police, to support victims of crime, tragedies, and domestic violence and has programs to help with vulnerable persons and family court support.
The District of Parry Sound Victim Services' 24/7 crisis line is 705-938-1476.
This “Eyes on Trafficking” story is reprinted from its original online location.
ABOUT PBJ LEARNING
PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on awareness and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials online course is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.
More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.
EYES ON TRAFFICKING
This “Eyes on Trafficking” story is reprinted from its original online location.
ABOUT PBJ LEARNING
PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on awareness and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials online course is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.
More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.