The Run to Rescue 5k run/walk will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 8 in the Grove.
Run to Rescue is an organization that aims to raise money and awareness for the fight against human trafficking.
There are approximately 27 million people trapped in forced labor or sex trafficking in the world today, according to the organization’s website. That number applies to both foreign countries and the United States. There are 17,000 people trafficked across U.S. borders every year, and the slave industry makes about $32 billion a year.
Meagan Henry, senior English major and co-leader of Run to Rescue explained that the money raised will go to the International Justice Mission, which fights slavery through international legislation and rescue missions.
“Money is raised in a plethora of ways,” Henry said. “Our team has been attempting to contact businesses as sponsors. We have been selling Threads of Hope bracelets, key chains, and bookmarks. We are also selling t-shirts for $10, and then, of course, we are advertising that people register for the run/walk.”
The event already has several local sponsors including Taylor Bend Apartments, Renasant Bank, Rotary Club of Oxford, First National Bank and Jim Johnstone – Attorney at Law.
Henry said the race will be similar to last year’s race. She said the race this year, however, will have a theme.
“Registration is $20, and with that, you get a t-shirt, race bag and free glow sticks. We have themed the race: ‘Shine a Light on Slavery’ and will have glow sticks for all participants. Registration price goes up Tuesday, April 1 to $25. We will also take any and all donations towards our goal. Also, we are having a Chick-fil-A percentage night this Wednesday, April 2. Fifteen percent of their profit from dine-in orders, not drive thru, will go towards Run to Rescue.”
The organization, in addition to fighting slavery, promotes Christianity. Lucus Jackson, staff intern at the Ole Miss Baptist Student Union and 2012 Ole Miss graduate, is also part of the planning team for Run to Rescue.
“This cause is important to me because the Gospel is important to me,” Jackson said. “We are not only promoting physical freedom, but also hoping to impact lives for a greater cause: salvation through Christ. We want to spread light on spiritual darkness and furthermore, we want to show what security in Christ can bring to everyone, whether we are physical slaves or college students in some other form of bondage. Whatever the circumstance, there is only One who can set us free.”
Lindsey Hardin, sophomore psychology and French double major, is also on the planning team. She said she likes the idea of all the International Justice Mission organizations supporting each other for Ole Miss Justice Week.
Hardin said there will be a concert held in the Grove the day before the race, and Stand for Freedom will occur on Tuesday.
“People take turns standing for 24 hours to raise awareness about slavery,” Hardin said. “On Wednesday, there will be a discussion panel with an IJM member, FBI agent, and a few other authorities. Last year, Run to Rescue made $2000 over the amount needed to fund a rescue mission and sent that money to IJM. We are hoping to do the same this year.”
