Registrations are now open for Tread on Trafficking, a fundraising campaign calling on individuals, small businesses, workplaces and community groups to walk, run, train or move with purpose this October, raising funds for child rescue charity Destiny Rescue.
For many Australians, the scale of child exploitation can feel too confronting to know where to begin.
That sense of helplessness is exactly what Tread on Trafficking sets out to overcome. The campaign raises funds for Destiny Rescue, a non-profit on a mission to rescue children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation and equip them to stay free. To date, Destiny Rescue has freed 26,000+ survivors across five regions around the world. On average, it costs $2,100 to rescue a child and equip them to stay free.
For Marija Caruana-Smith, founder of Altura Legal and co-founder of Tread on Trafficking, those numbers prove the problem is solvable, and that ordinary people can be part of the solution.
This became her reason to create a campaign built around one simple idea: everyone can do something.
"Most people want to stop child exploitation but do not know how," Marija said.
"This event bridges that gap, turning passive sympathy into active, frontline rescue funds."
With registrations now open, Tread on Trafficking is calling on individuals, small businesses, workplaces, gyms, churches, schools and community groups to give just one day and move however they choose, raising awareness and funds for Destiny Rescue.
Marija said the campaign was created for people who care deeply about the issue, but may feel limited by time, finances, fitness or uncertainty about how to help.
"As a small business owner myself, I wanted to find a way to involve those who have the passion but not the finances to contribute to such a worthy and important cause," she said.
Participants can sign up in minutes, on their own or as a team, then invite friends, colleagues, clients and community members to support their effort.
Marija said small businesses are especially well placed to take part because of the relationships and networks already around them.
"Creating change does not need to be limited to large organisations or major corporate giving. Tread on Trafficking gives small businesses and everyday Australians a way to contribute to systemic change through their networks at a grassroots level."
Funds raised through Tread on Trafficking support Destiny Rescue, a non-profit organisation with a mission to rescue children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation and equip them to stay free.
Destiny Rescue has rescued 26,000+ survivors from exploitation in five regions around the world. The organisation says the average cost is $2,100 to free a child from exploitation and help them begin a new life.
Gavin McCulloch, Digital Fundraising Manager, said campaigns like Tread on Trafficking show the power of ordinary people taking practical action.
"Tread on Trafficking reminds people that they do not need to have a huge platform or major resources to make a difference. Small actions, when multiplied across communities, can create real impact," he said.
Marija said the message to Australians is simple: the problem may feel too big to face alone, but the first step does not have to be.
With Tread on Trafficking taking place in October, participants have time to register, plan an achievable activity, start a team and bring their networks along without the process feeling overwhelming.
"The mission isn't finished," Marija said.
"We are building an army that refuses to look away."
Registrations for Tread on Trafficking are now open at www.treadontrafficking.com.au/signup
About us:
Destiny Rescue is a non-profit organisation with a mission to rescue children from human trafficking and sexual exploitation and equip them to stay free. Destiny Rescue has rescued 26,000+ survivors from exploitation in five regions around the world and assisted in the arrest of many perpetrators. After a survivor is rescued, next steps are determined to meet her needs, reduce the vulnerabilities that led to exploitation and empower a life of freedom. This process may include family reunification, entrusting her care to government agencies or enrolment in Destiny Rescue care.
Additional resources on Destiny Rescue's work are available on our website, including more about us, where we work and stories of rescue and freedom.
