Local charity sheds light on human trafficking and sexual exploitation – Kelowna News

Photo: Contributed

A Kelowna charity founded more than a decade ago is hoping to shine a light on a growing problem in the Central Okanagan: human trafficking.

“East Meets West” was founded by Mohini Singh with a mandate to help children with health and education.

Since 2008, they have supported programs in the Okanagan, as well as in Uganda, Kenya, Peru and Nepal.

Every year the charitable foundation organizes a fundraising dinner close to the date of Diwali, India’s festival of lights, symbolic because Diwali represents light, hope and new beginnings.

This year’s dinner, taking place on Saturday, October 5, will feature Canadian country music legend Paul Brandt and his program ‘Not In My City’, whose mandate is to prevent, disrupt and end exploitation and human trafficking.

Recent data shows that Kelowna has been identified as a “destination within a known human trafficking ring in Western Canada, where victims as young as 13 are sexually exploited.”

Brandt will attend the dinner and is expected to perform. As many as 300 people will be present.

“What makes us different is that we have no overhead. Every dollar we raise goes to charity,” says Singh.

“We are all volunteers. We have no office, no staff. We incur all costs ourselves because we know that every dollar we donate makes a difference at home and abroad.”

In addition to Not In My City, the charity also supports the Child Advocacy Center, Women’s Shelter, autism programs in the valley, trauma counseling and other programs.

They will also support Parade with a cause that supports Bridge Youth and Family Services.

“We are very grateful to have this opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s life,” said Rahul Virk, Chairman of East Meets West.

“We feel that when you change one life, you will ultimately impact many more people.”

“What we do may be just a small drop in the ocean, but the ripples it causes are powerful and life-changing.”

Click here for tickets to Saturday’s fundraising dinner.

Photo: Contributed