From Advent to Lent
This Christmas season, Lakeside is launching a special giving campaign that runs from Advent to Lent, focused on bringing hope and healing to those affected by human trafficking.
With two key initiatives – one local and one global – we aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
This is COMPASSION IN ACTION.
Who We're Supporting
Around the world, it’s estimated that more than 40 million people are enslaved by human trafficking, with a growing number in Canada. Ontario accounts for roughly 70% of all reported Canadian cases, and according to Statistics Canada, one in four victims of human trafficking is a child or youth.
LOCAL
SEEDS (Supporting Every Eve’s Daughter Safely) is a local organization providing a multi-stage, long-term residence structure for women to start over and rewrite their stories after being trafficked.
Partnering with SEEDS, we will be collecting donations of essential items women can use as they rebuild their lives. SEEDS is not a crisis centre or shelter but is a long-term solution for 18+ survivors of sex trafficking and/or exploitation. If a survivor is ready to start a new life outside of what they have known, SEEDS is the perfect place to start. Items that are needed include toiletries, clothing, non-perishable food, and other daily necessities, offering practical help and hope to survivors as they journey toward healing.
GLOBAL
IJM Canada (International Justice Mission) is a global organization that protects people in poverty from violence. IJM combats sex trafficking in Latin America, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Partnering with IJM Canada, we will work towards funding a full rescue of trafficked victims. The cost is approximately $12,000, which covers expenses from start to finish — rescue to recovery. Not only does this immediately impact individuals, restoring them to safety and wholeness, but it moves the needle in bringing criminals to justice, helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts, and ultimately reduces trafficking and protects the vulnerable.
Let's envision a world where there is NO MORE human trafficking!
How Can You Help?
Make a Donation
It takes almost $12,000 to fund a rescue - and it’s our goal during this campaign to fund at least one as a church community. Through IJM Canada, we’ll support their efforts of working with local law enforcement, bring safety to the vulnerable and gather evidence to hold perpetrators accountable. From the first investigation to the critical aftercare, you can be a vital part of rescuing women and children from sex trafficking. Following the rescue, we’ll be provided with follow-up, making this an incredibly personal endeavour.
We also recognize that the cost of living is high right now. Things cost more than they ever have. And money can be tight. So, we’re asking our church community to get creative in their giving efforts.
Here are a few ideas:
Help us reach our $12,000 goal to fund a rescue through IJM by giving a one-time gift. Click HERE to give now.
Spread your donation out between Advent and Lent and help fund a rescue through monthly donations. Click HERE to give now.
Got items around your house you’ve been meaning to get rid of? Could you put the money toward the rescue? Do you sell a product you could put the profits toward between Advent and Lent? Once you have a sale, click HERE to support the campaign.
For your birthday or special milestone, ask for donations instead of gifts.
Every December, advocates from all over the world pledge to wear a dress or tie for the 31 days of December. Some plan their outfits ahead of time, others challenge themselves to wear the same dress or tie during the whole month, and others enjoy mixing and matching with things in their closet each morning. That’s the beauty of the challenge: you make it your own.
Rest assured, you do not need to go buy a whole new wardrobe to participate. Part of the fun is using what you have right where you are. Simply create your own campaign page to get started!
Click HERE to join the Lakeside Church team and start planning your outfits and asking friends/family for support.
Can’t commit to a month? Join the team and do Dressember for a Day on Wednesday, Dec. 11. It all counts!
Can you organize your own little fundraiser? Host an event in your home or at Lakeside and direct the money toward the rescue.
If you need space, contact Pauline Whyte at pwhyte@lakesidechurch.ca and we’ll help find you a room at Lakeside.
Fill A Need
At the very basic level, rebuilding a life requires tangible needs. For the next few months, we will have a donation area set up in the atrium at Lakeside to accept donations for SEEDS.
See below for specific ways to fill a need:
Here are some home goods SEEDS has requested. For this campaign, please ensure all items are in new condition. If you purchase any of the larger items, you can let us know by emailing kelliott@lakesidechurch.ca so we can remove them from the list.
- Blankets
- Twin Bed Sheets
- Kitchen towels
- Juicer
- Small room heaters
- Projector
- Upright freezer
Here are some clothing items SEEDS has requested (Size Small and Medium are most needed). For this campaign, please ensure all items are in new condition.
- Winter coats
- Socks
- Winter clothing
- Underwear
- Leggings
Here are some food items SEEDS has requested:
- Any non-perishable items
- Packed lunch items
- Canned goods
- Flour
- Sugar
- Salad dressings
- Salt
- Baking powder
- Spices
- Granola bars
- Popcorn
- Tea
- Coffee
Here are some hygiene items SEEDS has requested:
- Sanitary pads
- Tampons
- Toilet paper
- Shampoo
- Shower gel
- Soap
Here are some cleaning supplies that SEEDS has requested:
- Cleansers
- Lysol wipes
- Sponges/brushes
- Rubber gloves
Here are a few donation requests from SEEDS. Please ensure for this campaign that items are new.
- Gel pens
- Art supplies
- Craft supplies
Here are a few ideas of Christmas items that SEEDS would like. Please ensure for this campaign that items are new.
- Wrapping paper
- Tape
- Ribbon
- Stocking stuffers for girls/women
Do you know the signs of human trafficking?
Learn more about what human trafficking might look like in your neighbourhood.