Richard and Laurie Southard of Clifford are thanking contributors that helped support the 2017 Ride for Refuge (RFR).
This year’s ride was held in Waterloo on Sept. 30 and donations were collected until Oct. 31.
The RFR fundraises across Canada to support the vulnerable and exploited. For this family-friendly fundraiser, Laurie bicycled 50km and Richard walked 5km for the Joy Smith Foundation.
In total, there were over 1,000 participants riding or walking for the charity of their choice.
The Southards raised $3,135.
The Joy Smith Foundation raises awareness of human trafficking in Canada and provides much-needed support for survivors. This year’s funds are going towards Canada-wide school programs to educate youth about human trafficking and to save potential victims.
“Canadian children are being bought and sold every day, right under everyone’s noses, because people simply don’t know about it,” organizers state.
The average age of entry into human trafficking in Canada is 12 to 14, with 93%. of victims taken from the street.
The greatest weapon is education, officials say.
Paul Brandt has joined with Joy Smith with his “Not In My City” campaign to fight human trafficking.
For more information visit joysmithfoundation.com and omny.fm/shows/the-odd-squad/paul-brandt-talks-about-his-not-in-my-city-campaign and www.notinmycity.ca.
The Southards thanked the following supporters: Moorefield Excavating Ltd., Cousins and Johnson Inc., Wightman Telecom, Mckay Masonry Advanced Electric, W.C. Smith Wholesale, Demerling’s Garage, Whitehead Electric, Reidt’s Masonry, Harkness Equipment, Lids By Linda, Davie’s Antiques, TD Concrete Forming, Barbara Crummer Bookkeeping Services, Gramma Jo’s, Daze Off Spa and several spa clients, family and friends.
