Description of Need

– Crisis support for clients – Accommodations
– Costs and loss of donations related to the cancellation of ACT Alberta’s annual Spero Gala Fundraiser
– Rebuilding Victim’s Assistance Fund
– Operational funding due to delays in grant processing
– IT support/software for moving training and meetings online (ex. Zoom webinar subscription, hardware)
– Laptops and cell phones for staff working from home

 

Our Story – Why We Exist

In 2007, Changing Together, A Centre for Immigrant Women responded to a growing concern about human trafficking in the community by conducting an environmental scan entitled “Trafficking of Women and Girls to Canada.” Healthcare providers, social service agencies, law enforcement bodies, immigration and settlement agencies and faith-based groups were consulted in the environmental scan and nearly half of respondents stated that they knew of specific human trafficking cases in the community. Respondents indicated a need for training and education on how to identify victims of trafficking, what victims’ most pressing needs are, and the state of existing legislation on human trafficking in Canada.

The environmental scan demonstrated an urgent need for more training and awareness on the issue of human trafficking in Alberta. A fledgling organization, the Alberta Coalition Against Human Trafficking (ACAHT), was soon formed in response to this demonstrated need. The Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT Alberta) was created out of ACAHT in 2010. Since this time, ACT Alberta has been critical in advocating for the rights of victims of human trafficking and creating a network of service providing agencies who are able to respond to the needs of victims.

 

Our Impact – What We Do

ACT Alberta works collaboratively with victims of human trafficking, law enforcement, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to identify and respond to human trafficking in our province. ACT Alberta serves the needs of internationally and internally trafficked men and women, and assists those trafficked for the purposes of labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, and the removal of organs. Taking a trauma-informed and victim-centered approach, ACT Alberta works to meet the needs of victims in a way that respects their autonomy, rights, and confidentiality.

 

Our Programs – How We Do It

• Coordinating services and community resources and supports for victims of human trafficking.
• Managing a fund that helps cover emergency crisis costs including safe shelter, food, and medicine.
• Training and educating service providers and the general public on human trafficking.
• Researching and collecting data on human trafficking in Alberta.
• Helping develop provincial and national policy related to human trafficking in Alberta and across Canada.
• Working to build capacity in partner agencies, first responders, and service providers, to ensure victims of human trafficking receive effective, appropriate, and victim-centered supports.
• Establishing and developing relationships with organizations and community members in Edmonton and Calgary, as part of the Community Action Plan projects on human trafficking.

 

Our Requests – What You Can Do

• Every dollar donated is so greatly appreciated. To donate to ACT Alberta online: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/act-alberta/
• Want to raise funds to support the work of ACT Alberta? If you have a fundraising idea, we’d love to hear it! Contact [email protected] to discuss hosting a third party fundraiser.
• Follow us on Social Media to receive our latest news and opportunities for volunteer positions and upcoming events. You can find ACT Alberta on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter!
• Sign up for our newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/c1xVWb