You can walk to spread awareness of human trafficking on October 13th in Prescott.
The walk is being organized by Denise March from Beacon Bags who says her goal is to get a bag in the trunk of every police cruiser. She says the bags are filled with basic necessities that are given to people who are rescued from human trafficking. March adds the bags help the people that have been rescued establish a connection with who is rescuing them.
“They’ve been brainwashed not to trust anybody in authority. And so our police officers (are) able to give them something to break that barrier.”
March says even though she focuses a lot on women and girls being trafficked, there are also men and young boys that are trafficked as well.
“So, sometimes I go in and do talks with kids. Just talking to them about their devices and different things to be aware and be careful.”
March adds, there’s not just sexual exploitation there’s also labour. She says people think it’s happening far away when it’s really happening here in Canada as well.
“I know that for cyber luring right now, Canada is in the top five percent for luring. So, we want to look for but it’s not far and it is in our area.”
She adds Peterborough has recently had around 70 people who have been rescued.
It will be a five kilometre walk starting on Churchill Street, going through King Street and up St. Lawrence Street. The walk will begin at 9:30 in the morning. March says her goal would be to raise $1,000 but spreading the awareness about human trafficking is an equal goal as well.
To sign up for the walk or sponsor you can call March at 613-213-2859, visit the Beacon Bags Facebook page here or email [email protected].
