Thursday, April 14, 2011

getting there

I just wanted to make a quick post and let you all know where I am at with my goal...with the combination of donations and my personal savings, I now have $1400 more to raise. I have been so impressed by some of the generous donations that have been made...I can't express my gratitude enough for all those who have helped. I hope you know that you are making a profound difference in the lives of the Thai people from your donation. 
You guys are awesome.
I am continuing to fundraise in any way that I can and also continuing to put all my earnings into this cause. I just had my last day of classes for the winter semester yesterday and am now preparing to go into the treacherous week of finals! I'm doing my best to survive through the next several days. I just have to keep telling myself that it will all be over soon enough! Next week I will pack up my stuff, move out of my apartment, and make the drive home to California before I take off. 
At least I have some awesome things to look forward to!

Saturday, April 2, 2011

unsettling statistics

Throughout Southeast Asia, it is estimated that some 300,000 women and children are involved in the sex trade

Over 80,000 women and children have been sold into Thailand sex industry since 1990

In Thailand, trafficking is a Bt500 billion annual business, which is 50%- 60% of the government's annual budget and more lucrative than the drug trade

Girls as young as 8-12 years old are forced to service men in the Thai sex industry
...some, forced to have sex with 5-10 different men. In one night.

Extreme poverty causes many families to sell their daughters into the trade for only $50 to $200

70% of prostitutes and 50% of child prostitutes are HIV positive

Victims are forced to perform sex acts and undergo physical and mental abuse, alcoholism, drug addiction, and sometimes death

Large numbers of women and children from neighbouring countries are lured into prostitution and trafficked through the four Thai borders...one being Chiang Rai

Child trafficking will only increase in Thailand due to the Asian economic crisis

...do you want to make a difference? I do.
show support. promote awareness. HELP me HELP them.