Day One - an introduction

Welcome to day 1 of my 31 day blog. My goal, as you may know, is to help raise money for a terrific organization, Love146, and help abolish the practice of modern day slavery by running the 2010 Bolder Boulder. To do this, I'm asking for your help - to support my efforts by sponsoring the miles that I put into training. I plan to put in 100 miles between now and June 1st. A few ideas for contributing include donating a specific amount per mile, donating based on my Bolder Boulder time or just donating a flat amount. If you would like to become a sponsor, please click this link to be directed to my personal donation site.

Human trafficking fast facts:

• Slavery is very much alive in the 21st century with more victims ensnared today than there were during the entire trans-Atlantic slave trade of the 18th and 19th centuries. Indeed, modern day slavery exists in every country around the world with an estimated 27 million men, women and children being victimized. It is believed to be the second most lucrative illicit business in the world.
• Human trafficking is modern day slavery with victims being forced, coerced or defrauded into labor or sexual exploitation.
• It is estimated that two children are sold into slavery every minute around the world. By the time you finish reading this post, another 4 to 6 children will have their dignity, innocence and future stripped from them.
• Over 100,000 U.S. children are forced into prostitution or pornography every year.

A quick introduction to Love146:

Love146 is a Connecticut-based non-profit organization that seeks to combat modern day slavery through prevention and aftercare. Their various efforts are focused throughout SouthEast Asia, the United States, the Phillipines and Europe. I encourage you to check out the Love146 website for an indepth look at their aftercare and prevention response as well as a variety of informational stories, videos and resources.

In Denver, the Love146 Denver Taskforce serves as a volunteer arm of Love146. The leaders and members of the Taskforce seek to engage in the abolition of human trafficking by educating Denver-area residents about the problem and by monetarily supporting Love146's efforts. Additionally, the Taskforce looks to partner with other Colorado organizations already battling human trafficking, volunteering with them to solve this problem at a local level and serve as an example for other metropolitan areas.

I run to fight this horrible crime because these people can't run away from their bondage themselves. Thank you for your support and I encourage you to check back to this blog as I post my daily training activities and more on the issue of human trafficking.