by Dani McDonald
Local businesses are selling Women At Risk’s hand-blown glass ornaments to combat modern day slavery in our state and abroad.
The U.S. government estimates 300,000 American children are currently at risk of being sold into sexual slavery, and the Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports that Michigan ranks 13th in the U.S. for the number of sex trafficking victims. On November 6th Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced an “agenda for action” to combat human trafficking in the state of Michigan, calling for harsher penalties for “johns,” safe harbor provisions for underage victims, and a greater crackdown on internet sites facilitating trafficking.
In order to support local anti-trafficking efforts, 150 Michigan businesses are partnering with Women At Risk, International, a Michigan-based non-profit dedicated to ending trafficking in our neighborhoods and around the world. These businesses are hosting Christmas trees adorned with one-of-a-kind, hand-blown glass ornaments from the Middle East. Proceeds from ornament sales go toward providing scholarships to at-risk women in the Middle East, as well as providing safe havens, counseling, education, and vocational training for survivors of sexual slavery in America and abroad.
WAR’s annual ornament campaign began in 2009 and has since reached over 500 local businesses in the West Michigan and Chicago area. Last year, over $40,000 was raised through the ornament sales. The ornaments are available for purchase at the participating businesses for $15.00 each.
About Women At Risk, International
WAR, Int’l is a non-profit organization that works in nearly 40 countries creating circles of protection and hope around at-risk women and children through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects. Their purpose and passion is to give voice to the silenced cries of the oppressed, wrap arms of love around them, and whisper messages of purpose and dignity into their brokenness.
For a complete list of participating businesses, further information on Women At Risk, International’s Ornament Campaign, or how to get involved, please contact Women At Risk, International
