November is here and we are excited to pass along two major developments going on that we can’t wait to let you know of! Don’t forget that this month is KEY2FREE, a one-day initiative to spread the word about human trafficking.
On 11.11.11 make sure to wear a key necklace and engage in dialogue about global slavery. Not only have we designed new key necklaces, but we have produced a new short film to premier on November 11th!
There are three ways you can participate:
- Join the movement
- Wear a key (check out our new key necklace here)
- Host a party
We have supporters around the world who will be inviting friends to their KEY2FREE parties on November 11th as they spread the news about trafficking and debut the new short film. Join in the fun and don’t miss out on this great opportunity!
In addition to the new ways you can get involved, we also want to share with you some of the progress being made on the ground because you are part of helping bring an end to trafficking by giving liberally to those in need.
If you’re a financial partner with us, you know about our efforts to open a new transition home in Ukraine. We’re happy to announce that in the past twelve months, we’ve been able to do the impossible because you gave. You gave openly. You gave freely.
One year ago our goal was to open a new home, but it has grown into something more than simply four walls and a roof. The A21 Campaign’s efforts in Ukraine have become a haven, a training ground, and a place where the captive are set free.
Because you’re committed to end trafficking, you helped girls like Slovana regain freedom, hope, and joy.
Slovana lived in a rural village in Russia with hopes of obtaining a job in the European Union that would help her support her family. She found a job in a local newspaper, and after meeting the employers for an interview, she was given a contract that looked trustworthy. However, after arriving in Greece, Slovana’s contract was torn up before her eyes as she was told that it was never legitimate.
Slovana found herself in a foreign country with no documentation and no escape. After being emotionally broken down through a series of rapes and beatings, she was forced by her traffickers to escort paying clients with nearly very evening ending in rape.
Though threatened and previously beaten for attempting to flee, Slovana managed to escape from her traffickers before they could put her back in their car. She sprinted down a lone Grecian street screaming for help until she found a woman to help her. The woman called the police, who in turn called A21 and we were able to provide her with medical care, dental care, and protection before assisting her in safely relocating to our program in Kiev - a place where she knew the language, the culture, and soon came to grow into her new community.
As our shelter in Greece receives a large percentage of victims trafficked from the former Soviet Union, the home that your generosity provided in Kiev not only helps victims rescued in Ukraine, but also serves as a place of refuge for many victims that we are able to repatriate from Greece.
This is one story of many. But we fight for the ONE. Because everyONE matters.
The new home in Ukraine works closely with our shelter in Greece, so victims from the former Soviet Union like Slovana can experience restoration in a country and culture where they feel at home.
Because we are in this fight together, we’re able to push forward and move wider in our goal of abolishing human trafficking in the 21st century. Together we are making a difference.
On behalf of The A21 Campaign and our rescued victims, we say THANK YOU.
