Virtual Benefit
An Online Experience featuring IJM South Asia
October 5, 2021 · 7:00pm-8:00pm (PT)
Slavery is illegal almost everywhere – but today an estimated 40.3 million children, women and men are trapped as slaves around the world.
IJM Canada hopes you can join us on October 5 to learn more about our work in South Asia where we combat forced labour slavery.
Forced labour slavery uses deception, threats or violence to coerce someone to work for little to no pay. Although slavery has been outlawed in nearly every country, millions of men, women and children are working as slaves in brick kilns, rice mills, garment factories, fishing operations and many other industries.
It is a violent crime. Physical and sexual assault are rampant. In many cases, IJM has documented forced labour slaves who have been beaten, gang raped, locked in tiny rooms, starved and even killed. Victims who try to escape commonly report being tracked down, beaten and returned to the facility. But many victims of slavery don't try to run away, because owners use fear and deception that traps them more strongly than physical locks and walls.
IJM works to locate victims and remove them from the place where they're in danger.
Compelling stories of rescue and survivors
The latest on IJM's work in South Asia
Join with us in raising $300,000 to end forced labour slavery in South Asia
Join us for IJM Canada's Online Experience
October 5, 2021 · 7:00-8:00PM (PT)
Raja's Story
At this year's Virtual Benefit, we will continue to celebrate survivor-leaders like Raja! Raja is a survivor of forced labour. After his family was rescued from slavery in South Asia, he became the first lawyer in his village. Today he advocates for thousands of formerly enslaved people in his country and regularly shares his own story of restoration with other survivors in a local survivor mentorship group.
His greatest joy is to extend helping hands to rescue people who are oppressed and see them enjoy the freedom in their life, while seeking justice for them as a staff lawyer for IJM.
This is just a snapshot of the kind of transformation you make possible through your support. On October 5, we'll share more stories that will give you an even deeper look at what it means to make justice unstoppable.
"Deep inside my heart I wanted to serve my community and help others who faced situations like my own."
M. Raja Ebenezer Survivor of forced labour
Anu George Canjanathoppil
Chief Executive Officer, IJM Canada
Saju Mathew
Regional President, IJM South Asia
Murray Neilson
Business Development, Nicola Wealth
Eugene Au
Director of Development and Mobilization, IJM Canada