The Western Australian branch of Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking Humans (ACRATH) have recently hosted a successful International Food Night, raising an impressive $6,000 to support victims of human trafficking and modern slavery.
The event, held at Aranmore Catholic Primary School, attracted 170 attendees and featured a diverse menu, with Principal Jonnine Lambourne generously providing the school hall at no cost, demonstrating strong community support for ACRATH’s mission to combat human trafficking.
Students from John XXIII College and Sacred Heart Sorrento also volunteered their time on the night, assisting with heating food, selling tickets, providing music and clearing away.
The evening was further enriched by guest speaker Shirley Eldridge, who captivated the audience with insights from her newly launched book, Woman For Sale, shedding light on the realities of trafficking and exploitation.
Rose (not her real name) leaves her home and her children in the Philippines to work with four other young women overseas.
The work Rose is confronted with is far from anything she could have imagined, even in her worst nightmares. Her only desire is to earn enough to escape from her captors and return home.
Shirley’s husband was approached by Rose who tells Shirley ‘I cannot stand by, ignore her call for help and do nothing.’
Shirley went on to say that she then contacted a friend who was involved with ACRATH, who within hours was able to reach out to her overseas networks to help Rose to escape.
After escaping from trafficking, Rose continued to be supported by Shirley and her husband in rebuilding her life and helping others to become independent and able to support their families so that they can avoid the trap of being forced into such a situation.
Shirley challenged the audience to ‘act upon a situation when it does not feel right’ and to not ignore the often-imperceptible signs of slavery and human trafficking.
WA ACRATH Coordinators Maureen Delaney and Sr Francis Hayes also spoke during the evening about the work that their volunteers do to raise awareness, educate, support seasonal workers, advocate with politicians and support victim-survivors in WA.
“Enabling seasonal workers to be engaged with the community is a two-way enrichment.
“This is so evident with their beautiful singing and the active participation of the Timorese people in the weekly Masses at Lancelin,” Sr Frances said.
“It is something we hope to encourage in more parishes and encourage more people to become involved in WA.”
In discussing awareness-raising, Maureen noted the variety of talks delivered in high schools, universities, parishes and to Diocesan Priests.
Topics covered included modern slavery, forced marriage, forced labour, the exploitation of seasonal workers, debt bondage and the companioning of victim-survivors of human trafficking. She also paid homage to the ‘many incredible Religious Sisters who started the numerous anti-trafficking networks around the world, including ACRATH in Australia’.
ACRATH’s ongoing efforts focus on raising awareness and providing resources for victim-survivors. With an estimated 41,000 individuals living in modern slavery in Australia, the organisation emphasises the importance of community involvement in addressing this pressing issue.
The funds raised during the event will directly contribute to programs aimed at helping those affected by human trafficking, reinforcing ACRATH’s commitment to restoring dignity and rights to vulnerable individuals.
This event not only showcased the culinary talents of local volunteers but also highlighted the community’s dedication to fighting against modern slavery and making a meaningful impact in the lives of survivors.
For more information, or a copy of Shirley’s book ‘Woman For Sale’ contact ACRATH at wacoordinator@acrath.org.au. Part proceeds of every book sale go to ACRATH.