Join Rotary District 5330 in the fight against human trafficking
Rotary District 5330, in collaboration with The Coalition Against Human Trafficking, welcomes Rotarians and community members to join the fight against human trafficking at the Community Fundraising Dinner, which will take place at the Westin Mission Hills Resort on Jan. 29.
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Every year since 2010, the president has dedicated the month to raising awareness about the different forms of human trafficking, also known as modern slavery, and educating people about this crime and how to spot it.
Guest Speakers Riverside District Attorney Mike Hestrin and Opal Singleton, CEO of Million Kids, will talk about the current epidemic of human trafficking in Riverside and San Bernardino counties including warnings about new tactics traffickers are using to entice and abduct our most innocent and vulnerable population into this underground industry.
According to Hestrin, who has been the DA for more than seven years, “sex trafficking cases exceeded more than 1,500 in the country last year, including some labor and sex trafficking. California consistently has the highest rates of arrests and prosecution for trafficking.”
Survivor Erika London will share her story, describe how she was rescued and explain how she continues to survive and thrive after her horrifying human trafficking experience.
Net proceeds raised from ticket sales, donations and silent auction items will go to increase awareness, provide community education and support human trafficking survivors. Tickets are on sale now for $150 and can be purchased online via a link at district5330.org.
District 5330 Governor Dan Goodrich has dedicated this event to raising awareness and funds to help stem the tide of human trafficking in our region. “We cannot ignore this epidemic that is in our own backyard and threatens our children each and every day,” he said. “This is a big problem that will take all of us working together to make an impact.”
About Rotary
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary's people of action have used their passion, energy and intelligence to act.
Rotary District 5330 comprises 62 clubs with more than 1,900 business leaders and community members that are committed to Service Above Self. For more information, visit district5330.org.
Coachella Valley Coalition Against Human Trafficking
The Coachella Valley Coalition Against Human Trafficking facilitates the collaboration of organizations within the desert communities by constructing a united response to human trafficking. The coalition aims to approach these issues within a multi-disciplinary approach of committed partners to provide consistent best practices in the fight against human trafficking. For more information visit barbarasinatrachildrenscenter.org/ht-coalition.
Judy Zulfiqar is the Rotary Club of Temecula's membership chair.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Join Rotary District 5330 in the fight against human trafficking
