Throughout the day and the valley on Saturday, October 19th, the sister organizations of Bringing Our Valley HOPE (BVHOPE) and Elizabeth Anne’s Haven (EAHaven) will bring attention to human trafficking and the need for a survivors’ sanctuary in Chaffee County.

Starting in McPhelemy Park in Buena Vista with registration at 10 a.m., BVHOPE will conduct the 10th annual Freedom Walk through town at 11 a.m. with a return to the park for refreshments and free prize drawings. Participants will carry signs aimed at increasing awareness of human trafficking and hand out flyers describing how onlookers can get involved.

The second Walk in the valley will start at the First Presbyterian Church (7 Poncha Blvd.) in Salida with registration starting at 1 p.m.  The Walk begins at 2 p.m. and after covering several blocks downtown, will return to the church for refreshments and prize drawings.

John DiGirolamo, BVHOPE Board of Directors president, is encouraging participants at both locations to bring friends and family members.  “And we’ll  reward those who do with prizes.”  For each person who brings two guests, they and their guests will receive K’s ice cream cone coupons. For those who bring five guests, they and their guests will receive an insulated water bottle fanny pack.

In the afternoon, the focus will turn to raising money to build a haven for women who have survived human trafficking.  At 5 p.m., the VFW of Johnson Village will host a pig roast to benefit Elizabeth Anne’s Haven–”a place to heal and start a new life.”   The event will feature a roasted pig from Fish & Whistle Farm, a lamb and goat from 30Audi80 Ranch, assorted side dishes, a cash bar and prize drawings.  The cost is $15 per plate for adults, $10 for children under 12.

“It’s a full day for us to work together to get the word out about human trafficking and to let our community know how we can all address the issue,” said Becky Martin, president of EAHaven Board of Directors. We hope communities throughout our valley will join us in this important mission.”