Prince George, B.C. – The illegal trade of humans, human trafficking, is something one might associate with countries in other parts of the world, undeveloped or under-developed third world countries.  But it is in evidence right here at home.

The chair of the 27 Million Voices Society, Christos Vardacostas, says “human trafficking and forced labour issues affect us all, it’s not just an international thing that goes on “over there”, it happens right here, and that’s the message we’re trying to get out.”  Asked what kinds of trafficking issues might exist in northern B.C. Vardacostas says “I would say sex trafficking for sure.”

“And then there’s a grey line in terms of how you describe it between things like child abuse and sex trafficking and forced labour.  But that’s the main one, I know that there are incidents up here and those are things that are really hard to catch, hard to know how to help.  And with an organization like us we have to partner, we’re not an organization capable of actually engaging in programming directly so that’s why we have to partner or just do fundraising and raising awareness regarding these causes and providing money towards them.”

27MV is a volunteer non-profit organization focused on preventing human trafficking.  It’s key mandate is to partner with local groups to protect their community from human trafficking, forced labour, and the exploitation of women and youth.  Its fundraising activities are critical to continuing programs and raising awareness about human trafficking around the world.  Since 2010 they have raised over $40,000, most of it in Prince George.

Tonight at the Ramada 27MV is holding an art exhibit, live entertainment by Navaz and Granville Johnson and a silent auction.  Vardacostas says the artwork is done by students from Duchess Park Secondary.  “I think it was three different classes participated in creating art pieces.  In all it’s around 60 different students and 60 art pieces and the inspiration for that work came out of one of our directors for our organization going in to speak about 27 Million Voices and our cause.”

The group’s current programs are in Ghana, where children are being rescued and supported after escaping slave holders,  and West Africa under a program that helps young women and girls to become self-sufficient through education and skills training.

Tonight’s art exhibit runs from 8 to about 11pm and the event is limited to 110 people.   Tickets are $40 and can be obtained at Nancy O’s on Third Avenue or by calling Christos Vardacostas at 250-981-1635.