28 February 2008 - 0 Comments
The year is 2008 and yet more than 12 million people are victims of forced labour worldwide and an estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked every year. Taken from their families; forced into marriage, military service, prostitution and a lifetime of slavery.
On March 27, top New Zealand designers, musicians and performers unite for Hands Up 2008: Stop the Traffik, to join the fight against one of the world's greatest injustices, the illegal trafficking of people.
The event will be a spectacular fashion, music and performance event, with the aim to raise money for 'Stop The Traffik', a global coalition of over 800 organizations in more than 50 countries who work to prevent people trafficking.
Money raised through the Hands Up Show will target in particular the prevention of child prostitution as well as the rescue and rehabilitation of those children who have already fallen into such circumstances. The aim is donate 100 percent of ticket sales to Stop the Traffik. The first Hands Up (Sept 2006) raised $13,000 for Lebanon bombings victims.
Show organisers Sophie Voon and Angela Duncan said that child prostitution and pornography is an issue that they feel passionately about and want to put an end to.
"This industry is growing at an alarming rate although we hear relatively little about it," says Ms Voon. "The victims are getting younger each year and the abuse more violent."
Ms Duncan says that as a mother, she wants her own daughter to understand the importance of doing what ever is necessary to help those in need. "The idea behind Hands Up is that we all do what we can to make a difference.
"This is creative Wellington coming together to put their hands up to help. Everyone involved in the show, from the performers to the make up artists, are offering their services free of charge and we've been absolutely thrilled with the level of support we've received."
The Salvation Army's Chris Frazer is at the vanguard of efforts to raise awareness and support for Stop the Traffik in New Zealand. She is excited about the impact that Hands Up will bring to the issue of people trafficking.
The event will be held at Wellington's New St Paul's Cathedral, the first time an event of this magnitude will be held at the Cathedral. Reverend Frank Nelson, Dean of the Cathedral is enthusiastic about the show. He was convinced of the importance of the event through the calibre of the people involved and the cause.
The fashion designers involved include Voon, Sophie Voon Bridal, Starfish, Robyn Mathieson, Delia Zantis, Marvel Men, Mandatory Men, Oyl and Miriam Gibson, with an additional avante garde section showcasing Wellington's top hair and make-up artists.
Performances: Warren Maxwell (Little Bushmen), Strike Percussion and Footnote Dance.
Hands Up 2008: Stop the Traffik
Thursday March 27, 2008 8pm (doors open at 7:15)
The New St Paul's Cathedral, cnr Molesworth and Hill Streets, Wellington
Tickets $30, available from participating designers
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