A Richmond gala will raise money to save Cambodian boys from being trafficked into forced labour and prostitution.
The Canadian International Education Assistance Foundation (CIEAF) will host its annual fundraising gala in Richmond later this month to benefit Ratanak International. The evening will feature a live performance and short speeches delivered by Ratanak, a charity organization that works exclusively in Cambodia, helping the country rebuild after decades of civil war and genocide.
In Cambodia, men and women are trafficked every day to neighbouring countries into brothels, factories or for domestic labour. To make the situation even worse, teenage boys are the most vulnerable group among them. Many boys are abducted and sold to other Southeast Asian countries to work in the fishing industry, said Chak Au, Richmond city councillor and director of CIEAF.
"These smuggled children working on the fishing boats are usually under the age of 16, and they work extended hours with little payment,” Au said. “Besides, they even suffer from violence and sexual abuse. For children who can’t tolerate the pain anymore, they choose to end their life by suicide."
Ratanak International has 20 years' experience in a large number of anti-human trafficking projects in Cambodia, including helping children or woman recover from abuse and preventing human trafficking. Meanwhile, they also provide survivors with accommodations, health care, educational opportunity and job skills. Twenty people have received support so far, according to Tom Mah, the president of CIEAF.
"Some survivors lack confidence and are filled with self-doubt after experiencing these tragedies. So we should give them sufficient support," said Mah, adding that "CIEFA will collaborate with Ratanak International to make a change in Cambodia."
The gala will take place on Sept. 26 at Continental Chinese restaurant at the corner of No. 5 and Cambie Roads. Tickets are $78 each, contact cieaf2009@gmail.com.
