The Raid Project restores human dignity, one chocolate at a time

Posted by admin on Feb 2, 2010 in News | 0 comments

You know what beats candy on Valentine’s Day? Candy that helps to erase sex trafficking from our reality.

That’s what the International Student Justice Club (ISJC) is selling for Valentine’s Day this month, along with flowers and serenades. It is called the Raid Project, a gift delivery service started by the ISJC four years ago in response to the reality of the global sex trade.

What is the reality? Human trafficking is the third largest criminal enterprise in the world, estimating 600,000 to 800,000 people trafficking across international borders annually. UNICEF estimates nearly two million children worldwide are part of the commercial sex trade, most forced in by some combination of corruption and poverty. Once victims are in, it is tough to get them out. Tough, but not impossible.

The International Justice Mission (IJM) and Love 146 have taken on the challenge. IJM’s strategy is to work with local authorities in countries like India and Cambodia to rescue victims of sexual exploitation and pursue just punishment for their perpetrators. Love 146 works in areas of Asia, Europe and the U.S, focussing on prevention of child sex slavery as well as aftercare of victims. Each organization has a unique approach and both are making a significant difference.

Trinity Western University students can also make a difference by purchasing Raid Project gifts or serenades where the proceeds go to IJM and Love 146. Since its beginning, the Raid Project has generated close to $4000 which, according to IJM, is about the cost of rescuing three girls from sexual enslavement.

Fundraising aside, Raid Project gifts and serenades have delighted many TWU students. The serenades have proven especially popular. This is no surprise, as they have traditionally featured superior entertainment and TWU’s most eligible bachelors.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and the Raid Project deliveries will happen on Feb. 15, with sales running the week before.

Before you buy those Disney Princess valentines, or snub the occasion altogether, consider sending a Raid Project gift or serenade to the people you love. You know they are worth it. Human dignity is worth it.