Cyprus Mail
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Charity event to support human trafficking survivors

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It’s a heavy topic, talking about women and children who were sucked into the human trafficking ring but one that shouldn’t be ignored. Some call them victims but Cyprus-based charity Room of Hope, likes to call them survivors and their main project is offering holistic support to help rebuild lives. To support their cause, raise funds and awareness about the issue, a charity dinner will be held on October 23 in Larnaca.

“For us,” the charity directors told Cyprus Mail, “it’s all about helping them find freedom and showing them their own value as unique, gifted and beautiful women. We walk alongside them to show them that they are not alone in their journey.”

Founded by Pia Rendic, Room of Hope operates under the Finnish NGO Vapauta Uhri ry, and since 2014 has offered support to those who have experienced gender-based violence, especially human trafficking survivors. “During the last seven years,” they add, “we have helped more than 60 survivors of human trafficking. Currently, we have over 20 ladies and 13 children who are attending our programme four times a week.”

Their programme helps mothers and children in any aspect of their lives, from medical help and doctor visits to learning Greek, art therapy, parenting classes and mental help. Besides offering skills and emotional support, Room of Hope helps women with their weekly food supplies, rent and daily practicalities but it is not just about that. For the charity, raising awareness of human trafficking in Cyprus and educating people is equally as important.

“Human trafficking is such a huge issue that we need each other to make it stop. We want to build this society towards a better future and see that human trafficking would end. We have had great support from individuals and local NGOs, churches and businesses here in Cyprus and we are truly grateful for that. No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”

And so their charity event on October 23 invites all to get to know their cause, support it and hopefully make a difference. A three-course buffet dinner will be held at Lebay Hotel in Larnaca at 7pm with live entertainment and a raffle competition – all included in the €40 ticket. “This is a fantastic opportunity to share your evening with others who are supporting mothers and children in need,” says the charity.

“What we would like to tell people in Cyprus is that before you think something about someone, please get to know their story. Not one of us would want that people judge us without knowing who we really are. Victims of human trafficking have gone through terrible things that we can’t even imagine, so let’s do our best together, to help and support them so that they could thrive and shine.”

 

Charity event

Charity Room of Hope organizes charity dinner to help human trafficking survivors. October 23. Lebay Hotel, Larnaca. 7pm. €40. Bookings: 97-735344

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