The Salvation Army, in partnership with Medicine Centre Pharmacies in Vancouver, B.C., is hoping to raise awareness of and fundraise to help the victims of human trafficking. It is selling a Sparkle of Hope pin. The pin is a glittering crown, representing the dignity and freedom all people deserve.

this social evil, developing the service to care for and rehabilitate its victims. A number of programs are designed to meet the needs of women living in Vancouver's downtown east side.

Major Winn Blackman, divisional director of women's ministries, British Columbia Division observes, “We are finding that most prostituted women were likely trafficked as children.” In addition to detoxification and treatment centres for addicted women, the Army operates Kate Booth House, a safe house for abused women with children. They hope to add more safe housing to other facilities as well.

In Vancouver, the Army is working proactively in this campaign as the 2010 Olympics approach. Along with athletes and fans, the games will attract an increase in human trafficking, a common result of events that size. They hope that the Sparkle of Hope pin will help to promote awareness of this injustice, and like the pink ribbon for breast cancer, become just as easily recognized.

Photo: Amelia Smith, public relations associate, B.C. Div, with Sparkle of Hope display