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October 23, 2015- Several community members, pastors, government leaders and agencies gathered together to raise funds to fight human trafficking in the Central Valley through The Central Valley Justice Coalition (CVJC).
The Global Slavery Index estimates 35.8 million people are currently enslaved worldwide. While to some, that number may not be surprising, what is often shocking is that right here in our region, human trafficking exists. It is a crime that is often hidden and hard to identify if you don’t know what it looks like. In our valley from 2009-2013, over 130 victims have been identified and rescued, according to the Central Valley Against Human Trafficking.
In the event’s program the CVJC staff wrote, “In our community, the voices of labor trafficking victims have been the most silent. We hope tonight is the beginning of some noise!” While the amount raised last night is still being tallied, the goal of the evening was to raise $5,000. Perhaps the most generous of the evenings donors was True Organic Products, who promised to match funds raised dollar for dollar up to $10,000.
Clint Olivier, Fresno City Councilman for District 7 was in attendance as both an advisory member and also the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Other Advisory members of the organization include Rev. Dr. Randy White, a well-known local Urban Activist as well as Fresno Police Detective Belinda Anaya.
Central Valley Justice Coalition is a faith-based nonprofit fighting against human trafficking and for fair trade. They serve our local community in the rescuing of victims of human sex trafficking. To find out more about human trafficking in the Central Valley, and what CVJC is doing to bring Justice, watch the video below. If you would like to find out more about how to help, click here.