Human trafficking is regarded as a modern form of slavery.
Trafficked persons can be found in many countries including Canada and many might not be aware it is a growing global problem.
A conservative estimate is that at least 800 people are trafficked into Canada each year, and from from 1,500 to 2,200 people are trafficked annually through Canada to the United States.
Vancouver Island Starfish Project, in association with Children of the Street Society, want to make Parksville Qualicum Beach residents aware of this global problem. An informative presentation about Human Trafficking within Canada is going to be held Wednesday night, April 24, at 7 p.m. in the main hall of St. Stephens Church, 150 Village Way, Qualicum Beach.
READ MORE: Nanaimo community working to end exploitation of girls
The guest speakers are Maura Fitzpatrick, fundraising manager of Children of the Street Society Coquitlam, a provincial society and federal charity dedicated to preventing the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of children and youth in British Columbia through education strategies, public awareness initiatives, and family support since 1995. There will be a video of Diane Sowden founder of Children of the Street. (https://www.childrenofthestreet.com)
As well, Aimee Chalifoux, with the Nanaimo Women’s Centre Community Action Team, will also be talking about her personal experiences with being sexually exploited as a teenager and her work of reaching out to women in the sex trade.
For more information, contact Tricia Plunkett, Sue or Madison Lee @vistarfishproject@gmail.com
— NEWS Staff