Modern day slavery is alive and well in many parts of the world today. Unfortunately, many Americans are unaware of just how many of their goods are produced by enslaved individuals and the startling number of children forced into sex slavery and armed forces worldwide. A group of 215 Pepperdine University students aims to raise public awareness and funds for victims of modern day slavery through the Life Mission Fashion Show and Concert to be held Sunday, November 2, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Pepperdine’s Alumni Park in Malibu, Calif.
The United Nations Children’s Fund estimates that as many as 1.2 million children are trafficked each year. Modern day slavery also involves the abduction and coercion of children into warfare, such as the child soldiers who have sustained rebel armies in Uganda over the past 23 years.
Realizing the dire need to increase awareness on the issue, the dynamic event will feature a fashion show highlighting solely fair-trade clothing and items, and informative speakers: Andy Stern, Lt. Mayor of Malibu, Isaac Amol, a survivor of the conflict in Southern Sudan, and a representative from The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking. Following the fashion show, recording artist Matt Wertz will perform.
“We can make a difference for generations of children who’ve been stripped of all and yet continue to fight. It’s easy to think, ‘tomorrow’ or ‘I don’t understand their plight.’ Tomorrow rarely happens, our world is interconnected and the issue is affecting millions – the time is now,” says Life Mission director Sara Ward.
The Life Mission Fashion Show and Concert is the brainchild of Pepperdine Seaver College student Sara Ward. Through the combined support of the International Justice Mission Organization, Pepperdine community and other local and national organizations, this student global outreach becomes a reality.
Support for this event comes from non-profit organizations dedicated to helping those impacted by slavery including: Invisible Children, Love146, UNICEF, Night Lights, Life Bread Org., Made by Survivors and World Vision. All monies raised will be donated to the aforementioned organizations.
Tickets, priced at $25 for the general public and $20 for non-Pepperdine students, are available online at Ticketmaster.com or by calling the Smothers Theatre box office at (310) 506-4522. Visit http://www.lifemissionbenefit.blogspot.com/ for more information, or contact Molly Drobnick at (310) 506-6586.