Have you ever wondered if there’s something you could do to help combat human trafficking? Well, next week you’ll have an opportunity to make a difference by participating in the Stop the Traffick(ing) Run for Justice in Eden Prairie.
The 5K walk/run is Saturday, June 9 at 8:30 a.m. at Purgatory Creek Park (13001 Technology Drive). You can register in advance or on race day.
A team comprised of representatives from the EPPD, local churches, businesses and the City’s Human Rights and Diversity Commission are working together to plan this event in cooperation with local anti-trafficking organizations. The goal is to join together as a community, raise awareness and engage in the fight to stop human trafficking. All proceeds from the race will be designated toward organizations working to help sexually exploited youth and women in our surrounding communities.
Human trafficking is a form of slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. It is a growing problem across the U.S., Minnesota and here in Eden Prairie. Investigators from Eden Prairie collaborate with law enforcement personnel from Bloomington, Richfield, Minnetonka, Plymouth and Maple Grove as part of the “494 Corridor Group” to investigate crimes related to human trafficking along Interstate 494. In 2017 that group conducted seven stings in the six member communities which resulted in 38 arrests and the recovery of 17 victims.
We hope you’ll join us on June 9 to help raise awareness about these horrific crimes.
This post was originally published on June 1, 2018 at the Eden Prairie Police Department’s blog.
