Compassion in Action

WE DID IT!

Since the start of the advent season we have been raising money to help fund a sex trafficking rescue operation through IJM Canada. We are pleased to announce that we have surpassed our $12,000 goal, raising $13,400. Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign.

From Advent to Lent

We have been focused on bringing hope and healing to those affected by human trafficking through our Compassion in Action campaign – from Advent to Lent.

With two key initiatives – one local and one global – we aimed to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

With just a few weeks left in the campaign, we have already exceeded our financial donation goal, but until Easter, we are still collecting 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.

By donating, 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?

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.

At the very basic level, rebuilding a life requires tangible needs.

Until Easter, we will have a donation area set up in the atrium at Lakeside to accept donations for SEEDS. See below for a wish list of items.

Donate Home Goods

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
Donate Clothing

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
Donate Non-Perishable Food Items

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
Donate Hygiene Items

Here are some hygiene items SEEDS has requested:

  • Sanitary pads
  • Tampons
  • Toilet paper
  • Shampoo
  • Shower gel
  • Soap
Donate Cleaning Supplies

Here are some cleaning supplies that SEEDS has requested:

  • Cleansers
  • Lysol wipes
  • Sponges/brushes
  • Rubber gloves
Donate "Fun" Items

Here are a few donation requests from SEEDS. Please ensure for this campaign that items are new.

  • Gel pens
  • Art supplies
  • Craft supplies
Big Asks

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.

Learn More