Did you know that Simcoe Muskoka is the second-highest region in Ontario for sex trafficking? With the 400 highway and multiple large rest stops, the region has seen an increase in human trafficking and sex trafficking over the years.
To increase awareness and raise funds for their anti-human trafficking initiatives, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions (SMFC) is launching their Steps for Safety event and set a goal to raise a minimum of $40,000. An expected 25 teams and 200 participants, including staff and friends of SMFC, are expected to attend. They’re looking for participants to create a team, fundraise and participate in the event. They are also looking for local businesses or groups interested in becoming a lead, supporting, rest stop, and route sponsors for the event.
The Steps for Safety is a family-friendly walk taking place on Saturday, September 20, at Fort Willow, located at 2714 Grenfel Rd, Utopia, close to Barrie and Springwater. Those interested in participating or donating can visit their page here. Participants can choose to walk 2.5 or 5 km and will receive an event shirt. There will be supported rest stops along the way and refreshments at the finish line, along with outdoor games, music, a bonfire, and giveaways. To make it a friendly competition, the individual who raises the most will also receive a prize!
Funds raised through the event will directly support SMFC’s local anti-human trafficking initiatives. Every day, they receive calls about local children, youth, and families being trafficked or at risk of being trafficked. Human trafficking targets primarily young adolescents, as young as 13 years old. These are traumatic offences affecting the family down the street, your child’s classmate, and the teenager who attends high school around the corner. Through their anti-human trafficking initiatives, their goal is to ensure safety, stability, and a hopeful future for our friends and neighbours most at risk in our community.
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is the Children’s Aid Society for Simcoe and Muskoka and provides child, youth, and family services as well as Child & Youth mental health services in Muskoka. As a registered charity, they are encouraging locals to gear up, register, and fundraise for their first-ever Steps for Safety Walk.
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