A national organization dedicated to combating human trafficking is bringing a new fundraising and awareness event to Steinbach this summer.
The Joy Smith Foundation will host Joy in Action at Steinbach Soccer Park on July 25, featuring a run-walk challenge aimed at raising funds and awareness for anti-human trafficking efforts in Canada.
About the Joy Smith Foundation
Janet Campbell, CEO and president of the foundation, also the daughter of foundation namesake Joy Smith, says the organization has been actively working to combat human trafficking through education, survivor support and collaboration since officially launching in 2011.
“The Joy Smith Foundation is dedicated to combating human trafficking right here in Canada,” Campbell says.
“We do that through education, collaboration and support for survivors that have been impacted by this issue.”
The foundation was inspired by Joy Smith, a former teacher and parliamentarian whose work helped shape Canada’s legal response to human trafficking.
Campbell says Smith first became aware of the issue after one of her 14-year-old students was trafficked, an experience later motivated her work in politics.
“She made Canadian history, passing two private members’ bills that amended the Criminal Code of Canada,” says Campbell.
“Today, when law enforcement teams across our country work on these files and are able to lay charges for human trafficking, it’s that Criminal Code section they’re using.”
Beyond legislative efforts, the foundation now focuses heavily on education and prevention.
“One of the greatest opportunities and greatest weapon that we have is education,” says Campbell.
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She says the organization works both “upstream and downstream,” helping prevent trafficking through education while also supporting survivors through recovery.
Campbell notes many Canadians misunderstand what human trafficking looks like.
“Often when they get the education, they’re surprised by what they learn.”
According to the foundation, the two most common forms of human trafficking in Canada are sex trafficking and labour trafficking.
Joy in Action
To help support its work, the foundation is launching “Joy in Action” in Steinbach as one of three Manitoba locations this year, alongside events in Brandon and Selkirk.
Taking place at the Steinbach Soccer Park on July 25, the event features a run-walk challenge aimed at raising funds and increasing awareness about human trafficking in Canada.
Event organizer Natasha Smith says participants can choose between competitive timed runs or a more casual family-friendly option.
“We have joy stations along the way, so different fun, interactive stations. It’s good for all ages,” Smith says.
Timed events begin at 8:30 a.m., while the fun run and walk start at 10 a.m.
The event also includes a fundraising challenge, with the top fundraiser earning a trip for two to Churchill for a tundra buggy adventure.
Participants who raise funds can also earn incentives, including branded hats and hoodies.
Registration is available online, with an early bird deadline set for May 31.
With files from Corny Rempel
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