Safe Light
Safe Light - a program run by Youth Unlimited (Toronto Youth for Christ)- is a specialized outreach to teenage girls involved in, or vulnerable to, sexually exploitive or life-changing circumstances. They are committed to meeting the needs of teenage girls who are active in or at risk of involvement in, the sex trade, and are victims of sexual abuse. Last Christmas, the Safe Light team decided to hold a Christmas Party for the girls involved in their program. They rented a hotel room, planned to order pizzas, go for a swim, watch movies - just provide a safe and fun night for girls who are victims of the ugliest part of our society! As a volunteer, I was eager to help out. A hobby of mine is to sew together used Kool Aid Jammer pouches and make book bags. I decided I would make 11 bags for the girls. Then, I thought, why not fill the bags??? Well, because I know so many amazing women, offers and donations came piling in. I contacted Jules, because I had remembered that quite a few of our summer staff at Muskoka Woods were busy knitting scarves. So, I asked her if she had 11 she could donate! Well, she ended up giving me a box full of beautifully made scarves, mittens and hats. We chose the best and added them to our gift bags. Then gave the rest to the program so they could be given out as needed. So, along with the knitted items, we included make up, candy, chocolate, home made cookies, and much much more. The girls were so beautiful as they opened their bags - it was truly like Christmas morning. For a few fleeting moments, they were little girls again - a place of innocence that they have long forgotten. I've been told that "free" stuff is extra important to girls or boys who are involved in the sex trade - because very rarely do they get anything that they haven't had to "work" for. Thank you Love Knits, for sharing your "loveknits"!!
Diane Huff
To donate goods to this program, get in touch by contacting:
Light Patrol Director: 1.877.331.3327
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
