Teen fundraiser makes a stand against human trafficking

Teenager Joseph Moore is involved in an unusual venture compared to most of his friends. Aged thirteen, he is making a difference to the lives of human trafficking victims as a fundraiser.

He took action after hearing about the plight of women, and children as young as three years old being sold into the UK sex trade at The Stand, an event run by anti-trafficking charity Hope For Justice.

Since the event he has raised cash for the cause with a series of fundraising events in his school and local community. Joseph has already raised over £300 and has many more events in the pipeline.

Joseph is a year 9 pupil at Canon Slade School in Bolton, where he has persuaded his teachers and fellow pupils to get involved. Through his efforts he has raised the profile of the cause and made others aware of the massive scale of the problem.

"When I heard about human trafficking at The Stand I wanted to do something to help. It is such a great cause and people need to know what is happening. I have organised all sorts of events so far, everything from cake stalls to ‘sponge the teacher’ events at school and penalty shoot outs. All my school friends are happy to get involved because is it such an important issue," he said.

Ben Cooley, CEO of Hope for Justice said, "It is fantastic to see someone so young catching why it is important for us to make a stand against human trafficking. It is encouraging to see Joseph decide to be part of the answer.

"If we are going to see slavery end we need a generation to rise up and do whatever they can. I hope that his story will inspire others to do the same and to join with us at the Stand 2010."

The Stand is a major event to unite the UK church against human trafficking. The next event organised by Hope for Justice takes place on 4 June at Manchester Apollo.

The event aims to equip the church to stamp out human trafficking in Europe and this years line-up includes US speaker Tony Campolo, Ben Cantelon, Graham Kendrick and Ben Cooley. It will highlight organisations from across Europe working on the frontline to combat trafficking and to rescue and rehabilitate those affected.

Tickets are available from the Hope for Justice website at www.hopeforjustice.org.uk. For more information email info@hopeforjustice.org.uk.