From Advent to Lent
We’re in the middle of 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.
If you’re ready to support the campaign now, here are two keys ways to get involved. If you want more detailed information, scroll down and learn more about who we’re supporting and why it’s so important.
- Help fund a sex trafficking rescue operation through IJM Canada (approximate cost $12,000). Click HERE to make a financial donation now.
- Donate household items for a local residence for survivors of human trafficking, including food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, sheets, towels, etc. See below for a full list of needed items. Items can be dropped off at Lakeside Church any Sunday or throughout the week during office hours.
No matter how you choose to participate, you are making an incredible difference in someone’s life – you are part of their freedom story. Thank you for your support!
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.
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
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
We recognize that these are big asks and big ticket items (and these items can be new or used). Maybe you have one of these items lying around that you’re not using, or maybe this is something a whole group of people can manage together (a small group, a neighbourhood, a team etc).
- Snow Blower
- Riding Lawn Mower
- Projector
- Upright Freezer
Do you know the signs of human trafficking?
Learn more about what human trafficking might look like in your neighbourhood.