By Anna Skinner
On Oct. 15, participants in the Walk for Freedom will all walk in a single-file line for three miles and wear black to give voices to the voiceless.
Julia Rayner, a Fishers resident, is volunteering to host her third Walk for Freedom to raise money for the A21 Campaign, a nonprofit raising awareness for the prevention of human sex trafficking.
“(The A21 Campaign’s) motto is to abolish slavery in the 21st century. They also help with protection to rescue and restore human trafficking victims, and they help with local law enforcement, FBI and areas of training to look for trafficking patterns. They help in investigations,” Rayner said. “They also have safe houses throughout the world that shelter girls and get them on the path to restore their life. I volunteer with them to host the walk to bring awareness to the community.”
On the same day, 39 countries will host a combined 270 walks, all to raise awareness and funds for the A21 Campaign.
“I feel passionate about getting the word out,” Rayner said. “I can see a difference, so I know it’s helping. The airlines now are educating their flight attendants, hospitals are educating, hotels are educating employees to watch for sex trafficking.”
Rayner heard a woman speak about being a victim of sex trafficking years ago and has been passionate about raising awareness ever since.
Registration is free for the Walk for Freedom, but Rayner said she hopes people buy the $12 T-shirts or donate, as all money goes to the A21 Campaign.
The walk is 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 15. Participants will meet at Peterson’s Restaurant, 7690 E. 96th St.
For more, visit a21.org/campaigns/shop- event.php?intid=547”=547
