Salvation Army appeals for funds to help abandoned youngsters

WEDNESDAY 28 JUNE 2017 I For immediate release

The Salvation Army is appealing for funds to assist in its rescue of 220 trafficked youngsters yesterday from a house in Wonder Park, Pretoria.

The Salvation Army is housing the victims at a safe place and providing for the immediate needs of the large group of young people who had earlier in the day been removed from the house by the Department of Social Development.

They had allegedly been stranded by a man who had promised them jobs in exchange for a fee.

Major Carin Holmes, PR Secretary of Southern Africa Territory of The Salvation Army, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the public so far in providing us with donated items. However, we are now in need of funds to assist with their care in the next few days and in their return to their homes.

“We appeal to the public to generously support us financially in this effort. They can do so either by depositing directly into our bank account, or by sending an SMS with the word “Rescue” to 42290. SMSs cost R30 each,” she said.

Details of the bank account are:
Bank: First National Bank
Branch: Braamfontein
Branch code: 251905
Account name: Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal
Account number: 50540087604
Reference: Please give your name and “Rescue” as a reference.

Major Holmes said that this latest incident was a sign of the increasing desperation felt by young people especially in their efforts to find employment.

“Human trafficking is not just about sexual exploitation. It’s also about conning the vulnerable into parting with what little resources they have in the belief that they are going to find employment,” she added.

ISSUED BY QUO VADIS COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE SALVATION ARMY

Media Contact: Ruth Coggin
Quo Vadis Communications
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 082-903-5819
CLICK HERE to e-mail Ruth Coggin

Client Contact: Major Carin Holmes
Public Relations Secretary
Tel: 011-718-6745
Cell: 082-994-4351
CLICK HERE to e-mail Carin Holmes