People deliberately walk in single file down Central Avenue in Prince Albert. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

By Ian Gustafson

WALKING FOR A CAUSE

Walk For Freedom marches through Prince Albert

Oct 19, 2019 | 5:29 PM

The only A21 Walk For Freedom in Saskatchewan was in Prince Albert on Saturday starting at the Plaza 88 Centre.

In the sixth annual event, 500 locations across the world took part in the walk to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Gen Klingenberg, the organizer of the event said this is only the second year it’s been held in P.A.

“You look at the amount of people who are coming to support this walk but also bringing awareness about human trafficking here, that it is a huge issue,” she said.

Klingenberg estimated 150 people participated in the local Walk For Freedom.

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All the money raised will go to A21, a non-profit organization with a mission is to end human trafficking.

Klingenberg said every dollar raised will go to help victims.

On Saturday afternoon a large group of people lined up in a single file line holding picket signs with messages on them to take part in the silent march. The route was from the Plaza 88 Centre heading south to 15^th St. E. and then east to 6^th Ave. E, to River St. E., and back to the centre.

A number of people walked silently down Central Avenue holding signs to raise awareness. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

Deborah Ertman, one of the participants in the event said it was important to raise awareness that human trafficking does happen.

“It happens not only around the world but in our own community and I think it’s just important for people to realize that,” Ertman said

She also said it’s critical for people who are victims to know there is hope and there is a way out.

Participants in the Walk For Freedom pose for a photo outside of City Hall in Prince Albert. (Ian Gustafson/paNOW Staff)

Joeline Magill, Interim Executive Director for Hope Restored Canada was also at the walk.

Magill told paNOW Hope Restored Canada is an organization based out of Saskatoon that provides services to victims of sexual exploitation through a residential program and they also provide outreach programs and education for the public.

“I think this walk is very important because there is a lack of awareness and education in society today that this is something that not only is impacting ourselves globally but also locally. So I think it’s important for people to walk, and take a stand, and hold signs that are bringing awareness to the issue,” Magill said.

She has participated in the walk in Saskatoon previously and thought Prince Albert had a great attendance this year.

“So, we have had a few more numbers than here but for the size of the city I’m really pleased with the turnout,” she explained.

–

ian.gustafson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @iangustafson12