GUELPH – Co-operators presented a cheque for $142,500 to Elora House after a day of golf at Glencairn Golf Club on Sept. 6.
Co-operators has organized its tournament annually since 1995 and has raised more than $1 million for local grassroots organizations over that time.
“We’re in awe of the work that Elora House does to support victims of human trafficking in our community,” said chair of the Co-operators Charity Golf Tournament committee Kristina Gilley.
“Our volunteer committee works tirelessly year after year to support local grassroots organizations where we can make a significant impact and we’re so thankful to the many sponsors and golfers who came alongside us this year to make this contribution possible.”
Elora House provides safe housing and 24/7 support for women who are victims of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
“We are so grateful to have been chosen as the beneficiary of The Co-operators Golf Tournament committee,” said Elora House executive director Luisa Krause.
“The generous support received from Co-operators will help girls and women that have exited sex trafficking learn to rest, rebuild their lives, and restart their healing journey to a healthier version of themselves.”
She continued, “We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the sponsors and dedication of the committee at Co-operators to make a difference.”
Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in Canada and the average age of recruitment into sex trafficking is 13 years old.
Last year alone, Victim Services Wellington supported over 30 victims from Guelph and Wellington County and those are only the ones who were able to seek help.
Ontario has been identified as a major hub for sex trafficking. Between 2009 and 2018, 70% of cases in Canada were reported in Ontario.
It is estimated that 60% of trafficked individuals in Canada, are travelling along the 400 series highways.
Traffickers use the internet to recruit children and youth through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Kik, WhatsApp and Tinder.
Anyone with questions or wanting to support Elora House can connect with Elora House directly by emailing elorahouse@ercf.ca.
Anyone requiring any immediate support is encouraged to call the confidential, 24/7 Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.
“The more we know and understand about this growing crime, the stronger we are at identifying it happening around us,” officials state.
“Be aware, recognize the signs.”
