Pedals power sex-trade fight

By Lia Bichel
TWO friends have joined forces – and pedal power – in a fight against global human trafficking and sexual slavery.
Narre Warren South resident Paige Campbell, 27, and friend Andrea Pitkethly, 26, hope to raise $14,000 by taking part in Future Cycles, during which they will ride through Laos and Cambodia over two weeks in December.
The money raised will go directly to the Somaly Mam Foundation, a non-profit organisation named after a former sex slave turned human rights advocate and author.
It is dedicated to fighting the global sex slave trade through the rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims and through raising global awareness on the issue.
Ms Campbell and Ms Pitkethly will also visit shelters of women and children who have been victims of serious crimes and try to raise awareness in the villages they travel through.
Ms Campbell will travel to Cambodia in June to learn more about the country before returning in December with Ms Pitkethly for the cycling challenge.
Ms Campbell said that although she was not an active cyclist, she was looking forward to the gruelling ride because she wanted to raise awareness and funds for victims.
“I work in welfare and have always been drawn to working with people of sexual slavery. When I was 21, I travelled to Thailand, and seeing all the people on the streets made me more passionate about it,” she said.
Ms Campbell and Ms Pitkethly will host a number of fundraisers and urge the community to support them by attending or donating money or raffle items.
The first event will be a trivia night on 6 May at the Dandenong Club in Dandenong. Seating is limited and bookings are essential. Most seats are already booked, but donations are still needed.
Other fundraisers include sausage sizzles at local footy clubs, a music and arts night in September and market stalls.
City of Casey councillor Lynette Keleher donated $100 of her ward funds to the cause at last week’s council meeting, and that was matched by fellow councillors Beverley Hastie, Bob Halsall, Judy Owen and Simon Curtis.
For details or to donate visit www.gofundraise.com.au/page/paigeandandycycleforfutures or email them at paigeandandycycleforfutures@hotmail.com