Stop the Trafficking is a collaborative event that began in 2013, with the goal of coming together as a community to raise awareness and engage in the fight to end human trafficking. The team, led by Grace Church, partners with other local churches, businesses and the City of Eden Prairie, to host this 5K, which is the largest run held in Eden Prairie. Modern day slavery touches all facets of society, therefore, we all need to come together to end it.
There are an estimated 40 million slaves in the world today, more than any other time in history. Our communities are personally affected by human trafficking including the sexual exploitation of children. The average age a child becomes a victim of sex trafficking in the United States is 12 – 14 years old, and at least 100,000 children are exploited every year within our borders.
All proceeds from the race are designated to organizations working to end human trafficking. Through an application process, MN-based organizations are selected, along with one international organization, focused on providing direct services to victims. The 2023 recipients are MN-based organizations, including: ACT United, Beloved, Breaking Free, Hope House, and Terebinth Refuge, along with the international organization, Destiny’s Rescue.