Student fights human trafficking

by Sally Finneran Bigfork Eagle
| October 14, 2015 11:35 AM

A Bigfork High School senior is bringing an event to Bigfork to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Kassandra Butterfield is hosting a Walk for Freedom in Bigfork on Oct. 17, through the A21 Campaign. A21 is a global organization that works to end human trafficking in the 21st century.

The Walk for Freedom aims to shed light on the “27 million men, women and children world wide who are still trapped in slavery today,” a press release about the walk said.

Communities across the globe with participate in the walk on Oct. 17.

Butterfield has been working with A21 for about a year, writing letters to survivors of human trafficking.

“It’s about raising awareness for the humans that are voiceless,” Butterfield said. “The humans literally being held as slaves as we speak. Though we may not see a lot of this in Bigfork, I believe all towns big or small can make an impact on a thing like this.”

According to A21 the walk was started to create a domino effect that mobilizes people all over the world against human trafficking. This year is the second annual walk.

The walk’s signature entails a single-file line of participants dressed in black, with black tape across their mouth. As the line moves they will distribute information about human trafficking to onlookers.

“The Walk for Freedom plays an integral role in the fight against human trafficking,” A21 Global Operations manager Philip Hyldgaard said. “It’s not just about taking a walk through a popular city, or simply handing out a pile of flyers; it’s about shining a spotlight on injustice and mobilizing people to take action.”

The non-profit works to stop human trafficking with awareness and education. They have crisis shelters, and aftercare facilities around the globe.

Anyone who wishes to participate in the walk can either register online at A21Campaign.com, or by emailing kassandrabutterfield@gmail.com. The walk will take place in downtown Bigfork, and people who register will be contacted prior to Saturday about the time and details.