Local Dressember participants raising awareness about human trafficking

Tim Brody - Editor

A group of eight young adults in Sioux Lookout are participating in this year’s Dressember campaign, pledging to wear dresses or ties through the month of December, in efforts to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Aubrey Bates, one of the participants, shared, “A lot of people don’t think human trafficking happens in our area, and it does. That’s something I’m passionate about bringing awareness to.”
The group of friends have a fundraising goal of $5000.
People can donate to the group at https://dressember2022.funraise.org/team/sioux-lighthouse-squad until Dec. 31.
“I think it’s really important as a community to become aware of it and to learn more about it so you can help prevent it. The money that we raise goes to organizations that go in and they rescue people who have been trafficked and they provide healing for them after they’ve been rescued,” Bates said.
Evan Kane, who has committed to wearing a tie throughout the month, said, “It’s something that’s fairly easy to do and it means a lot to a lot of people.”
Andrew Perry, who has also committed to wearing a tie throughout the month said, “I think it’s a good cause and it’s a fun way to do it.”
Adelaide Meekis, who has committed to wearing a dress during the campaign, shared, “I think it’s really important that a lot of people know about this kind of thing... I think it was a really good idea that we decided to do this so that more people can recognize and understand that it is a big deal.” 
Other local youth participating in the Dressember campaign include Braeden Opina, Geneva Otto, Emma Bates, and Caleb Bellingham.
Michael Kreisz, Staff Sergeant and Detachment Manager for the Sioux Lookout OPP said, “Human Trafficking is a very serious issue and we know human trafficking is occurring in Northwestern Ontario. The Sioux Lookout Ontario Provincial Police have members specifically trained in the detection and investigation of human trafficking. The Ontario Provincial Police also have a dedicated Anti-Human Trafficking Unit. 
“It is commonly believed people who are victims of human trafficking are snatched off the street. In reality victims of human trafficking are often contacted by the perpetrator online. From there a ‘grooming’ process begins in which the young person is offered expensive gifts. Perpetrator’s often target vulnerable young people who have a lack of support and low self-esteem and use those vulnerabilities to take over the young person’s life. It is critical parents and guardians of young people monitor who their children are communicating with both online and face to face.”
He concluded, “If a member of the public suspects someone is a victim of human trafficking it is critical they contact the OPP immediately. I would also like to remind the public that if they believe someone is missing, they should contact the police right away at 1-888-310-1122.