Many people ask us how they can most effectively spread awareness about human trafficking and get involved. Our most successful and passionate volunteers have a secret: they marry their unique talents and interests with their excitement to fight human trafficking.
The Weedman Family is an excellent example of this. Since the very early days of Operation Underground Railroad, they have been selling their “Freedom Fruit” as they like to call it, to raise funds and awareness for the cause.
The business model of Freedom Fruit is simple: Milan and his wife Brianna pick up tree-ripened fruit from Riley Farms in Utah and deliver it to customers the very next day. They are able to deliver a higher quality fruit than the typical grocer because there is an increase in phytonutrients and flavor as the fruit is left on the tree to fully ripen instead of picking early. The Weedman’s have also started freeze-drying their tree-ripened fruit so their customers can enjoy it year-round!
Much good has come from spreading awareness about O.U.R. through their Freedom Fruit. Many of their customers have also been motivated to join the fight to stop human trafficking, one year, a lady handed the Weedman’s a $1,000 check to give to Tim Ballard at the upcoming gala.
When Tim Ballard first founded O.U.R., the Weedman’s were immediately drawn to the cause. The thought of rescuing children motivated them to keep selling fruit and donating their proceeds year after year.
Milan Weedman said, “The mission of Operation Underground Railroad, if we align ourselves with it, will help us fulfill the Divine mandate to… literally [liberate] the captive from such evil captors but also rehabilitating them after the fact and training them to give them the tools they need to truly pursue freedom and happiness in this life!”
“This is what motivates us! This is what keeps us in the fruit business year after year!”
milan weedman
When O.U.R. first launched our YOURrescue site for volunteers to create their own fundraisers, the Weedmans were among the first fundraisers on the site. They have graciously raised over $11,000 for the cause over the last five years and have made it their goal to someday donate over $1 million dollars to O.U.R to rescue and rehabilitate those who have been exploited by human trafficking.
It is inspiring to see the hard work and determination of this family to continually give to the cause. Their work has made a significant difference in saving the lives of survivors around the world! We thank them for shining their light on the dark world of human trafficking.
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