More than 250 locals laced up their shoes and hit the pavement of Taree in a powerful display of community solidarity, joining forces to support Tread on Trafficking, a national campaign raising funds and awareness for child rescue organisation Destiny Rescue.
Together, they raised an impressive $70,000, with every dollar helping to rescue and support children enduring human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The initiative saw members from seven Manning Valley churches and a local school walk side-by-side along the Manning River, more than doubling last year’s effort, which raised $34,000.
The walk took on new urgency this year following a recent 7NEWS Spotlight investigation, which exposed convicted offender Toni Brimble, a Taree resident charged in relation to a Destiny Rescue operation in the Philippines. The episode shone a light on Australia’s disturbing link to online child exploitation and brought the issue uncomfortably close to home for many in New South Wales’ Mid-North Coast.
Spokesperson for the Manning Valley Combined Churches Glenn Hodson said the group felt compelled to act in response to the global need.
"When you learn about children being trafficked, you can't turn away," Mr Hodson said. "You can't go on with life as normal. Partnering with Destiny Rescue means that we can be part of the solution."
Destiny Rescue Partnership Manager Paul Summers praised the efforts of the group and said it was deeply moving to see such grassroots action grow year-on-year.
"To see this Tread on Trafficking fundraiser more than double in participation compared with last year, it shows that when we stand together, we can do great things to save vulnerable children across the world," Mr Summers said.
"Having this group come together says to this nation that we will rise for children who are living in the nightmare of sexual exploitation."
Funds raised through Tread on Trafficking go directly towards Destiny Rescue’s global operations, supporting rescues, aftercare, education, and pathways to freedom for vulnerable children. The campaign runs throughout October and invites everyday Australians to turn physical challenges into life-changing impact.
Donations to the Manning Valley Combined Churches’ fundraiser remain open. To learn more or donate, visit: https://www.treadontrafficking.com.au/o/manning-valley-combined-churches
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About us:
About Destiny Rescue:
Launched on the Sunshine Coast in 2001, Destiny Rescue is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to rescue children from sex trafficking and exploitation and equip them to stay free.
Destiny Rescue has restored hope to thousands of children enduring sexual exploitation and human trafficking through rescue operations and reintegration programming operated in regions throughout Africa, Asia and Latin America.
By building strong partnerships with government entities, law enforcement and like-minded organisations, they continue to expand their work and offer freedom to children in need across the globe.
Destiny Rescue’s holistic approach to rescue ensures the children they rescue are provided with a safe and nourishing environment, with appropriate counselling and medical care. They are also offered the tools (education, vocational training & support) to realise their potential and fulfil their dreams and destiny.
Contact details:
Ellen Hill
0424 791 904 | [email protected]