Vista, CA December, 2021—Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland invites the public to sign up now for their “30 Miles in 30 Days to Fight Human Trafficking” Virtual Walkathon fundraiser. The Walkathon will begin January 1, 2022 and end on January 30. Participants can register online at https://bit.ly/3Fbp7ID
Proceeds raised from the Walkathon will be given out as Soroptimist Live Your Dream Education and Training awards to one or more victims of Human Trafficking, depending on the amount raised. Recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation. “We give out several of these awards each year, and some of our past Live Your Dream Awards recipients have been victims of trafficking, so we decided to dedicate at least one award specifically to a trafficking survivor,” said Walkathon co-chair Jackie Huyck. “The more money we raise this January, the more survivors we’ll be able to help.”
“We’re asking our supporters locally and nationwide to pledge online to walk, run or bike a total of 30 miles in January, and to pledge $1 per mile. They can also choose to just donate without walking” said Huyck, the Vista club’s Director of Public Awareness. Participants can pledge individually, join an existing team, or form their own team. “People can get in shape, at a time and place of their own choosing during the month of January, while helping a worthy cause at the same time,” said Huyck.
In addition to the Walkathon, the club will be hosting their 16th Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Walk and Event on Saturday, January 29, 2022 from 10 am to 12 noon at United Methodist Church of Vista at 490 S. Melrose Drive, Vista, with guest speaker San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan. Stephan will speak at around 10:30 am and participants will walk down Melrose Drive about 1-1/2 miles round-trip from the Church. Information tables, water and Stop Trafficking signs will be provided and the event is free to the public. Masks will be required for the indoor portion.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness month and similar events are being held throughout the county. For more information visit www.soroptimistvista.org or email soroptimistinternationalvista@gmail.com or call 760-683-9427.
ABOUT SOROPTIMISTS OF VISTA AND NORTH COUNTY INLAND:
Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland (SI Vista NCI) was chartered on March 23, 1953. We are a dynamic group of women primarily from Vista, San Marcos and Escondido who seek to make a difference in our community through offering scholarships and grants to local charities and by raising awareness and educating the public about issues affecting women and girls, such as domestic violence and human trafficking. For more information, see our website at soroptimistvista.org or email us at soroptimistinternationalvista@gmail.com.
For over 68 years, we have been committed to protecting the environment, education in the fields of health, economic and social development, leadership development, fellowship and diversity. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
