On January 25th, our “Free at Last” event was held at our CrossFit gym in Draper, Utah, to celebrate the freedom of children rescued from sex-trafficking, and those yet to be liberated.
In honor of Martin Luther King’s message to “let freedom ring” from every village and state, we are reminded that much needs to be done to ensure the emancipation of so many other innocent children still enslaved around the world.
The event was a fun-packed and educational experience for all involved. About 350 people attended with plenty to do.
Several non-profit partners participated including Days for Girls, Dolls of Hope, Utah ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force, The Refugee & Immigration Center (Asian Association of Utah) , and Hero Bands.
Protectors Shield Preventative Services is a local company that also had a booth at the event.
Additional activities included a superhero coloring page activity for kids, a humanitarian project: card-making station to write and decorate notes for O.U.R.’s volunteers, and a raffle and silent auction.
Food trucks were provided, as well as free cookies for everyone who completed the “cookie challenge” by visiting every booth!
Visitors also had the opportunity to meet O.U.R team members and buy merchandise to help raise funds.
Best of all was the unforgettable Virtual Reality technology developed by the Radical Empathy Education Foundation that 250 of our visitors engaged in.
The foundation created a powerful and personal experience for users that brings a deeper understanding and empathy toward human trafficking with the ultimate mission of stopping it altogether.
The program is called TRAPPED: A VR Detective Story told through the eyes of a 14-year-old girl that was lured into trafficking by a boy she met online.
It teaches teens and adults about sex trafficking and what to look out for by putting students into the perspective of the victim.
People are often shocked to learn that this is happening right here in their communities.
This stronger awareness is encouraging news for O.U.R. since our commitment to rescuing and preventing captive children remains steadfast for as long as the problem exists.
“Free At Last” was a great success full of learning and great company. We are grateful for all that attended.
2 comments
Saw the interview between Candice Owens and Tim Ballard. I’m ready and willing to become active and support your organization. Where is your nearest group to me. 95073-Zip Code.
Hi Charles! Thank you so much for your support. You can visit this link to our website and click “Volunteer” to sign up and get connected with other O.U.R. Volunteers near you! http://ourrescue.org/join-the-fight