The long road ahead, or maybe up, is the driving force behind Freedom 8848’s mission to end human trafficking.
The numeric feature in their name signifies the metric equivalent of Mount Everest, the highest mountain above sea level in the Himalayian mountain range in eastern Nepal.
The group is preparing for their first annual fundraising climb to take place in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains on August 20-24th. Interested parties can participate in one of three challenges ranging from climbing 8,848 metres, climbing two mountain peaks a day, or climbing one peak a day.
“So when we summit the third mountain on the third day in late August this year, and for many more years to come, when we reach the equivalent elevation of 8,848 metres, we will have demonstrated that this industry, this mountain, can be conquered,” Spokesperson Judd Lee said
“Everyone can make a difference, if we simply move one stone at a time.”
Lee says the group has only begun to explore and listen to the realities of those who are on the frontline of this issue in Cochrane, and neighbouring cities including Calgary and Airdrie.
“What we have uncovered is enough to convince us that we have a local, not just a global crisis,” Lee said.
The group has partnered with BRAVE Education for Trafficking Prevention, International Justice Mission and Next Step Ministries. Lee says the organizations work together in handling sex trafficking prevention, rescue and restoration.
Brave Education is an Alberta-based group that delivers an online curriculum to children across Canada that works to prevent kids from being trafficked. Lee explains that Canada’s foray into human trafficking begins - in most cases - when predators hack into children’s social media.
“(Criminals) have a very big network, they’re actually getting more sophisticated in using any of the social media platforms,” Lee explained.
The International Justice Mission is an international body that conducts rescue operations around the globe and Next Step Ministries is a Calgary-based organization that assists women in exiting sexual exploitation and rediscovering their identity.
Lee explains that the latter group helps women regain a sense of normal life and teaches them basic skills that they have been robbed of.
“When (most people) see a prostitute on the street think they made that choice for themselves. Certainly there are situations where that’s true, but a lot of what’s happening is there are a lot of young women who are trapped in trafficking positions for years.”
“These women didn’t just make really bad decisions and end up there, some of them have been hijacked as young as 12 years old.”
At 7 p.m. on Feb. 8 the group will host an information session at the Cochrane Alliance Church. The session will include a multimedia presentation, guest speakers, panel discussion, interactive booths and details about the fundraising campaign. Due to the sensitive content, parental discretion is advised for children under 18. The group recommends that children under 13 not attend.
“We are not interested in joining the conversation at the point of judgment or condemnation of anyone,” Lee said.
“We are men and women of faith who feel convicted to roll up our sleeves and show compassion and embrace all those caught up in the trafficking industry without prejudice or shame. We believe that hope, restoration and a bright future is a reality that is due to everyone.”
Participants can RSVP for the event at www.cochranealliance.com/events/freedom-8848-launch/2020-02-08
