6 days ago
Nelson-founded Charity Screening Movie To Raise Awareness Of Child Exploitation
The Saint Nicholas Children's Trust, a New Zealand-based charity, is hosting a special screening of the film Sound of Freedom to raise awareness about child sexual exploitation.
On Thursday July 10, the Saint Nicholas Children's Trust, in partnership with Whakatū Rotary, will host the screening at the Suter Theatre in Nelson.
In Sound of Freedom, a former US government agent embarks on a mission to rescue children from sex traffickers in Colombia. The movie was made as a call to action against human trafficking and was loosely based on a true story.
"At the Saint Nicholas Children's Trust we work tirelessly in our pursuit of raising awareness of child sexual exploitation," says Angela Francis, the charity's founder and chair.
"The Sound of Freedom is a confronting film which makes us consider the reality of what is happening every day around the world - thousands of children are being exploited."
Proceeds from the screening will support the Trust's ongoing efforts to educate and advocate for change - locally and globally.
Francis says the Trust is thrilled to welcome Nelson City Councillor Trudie Brand and Nelson MP Rachel Boyack, who will attend the event.
Brand says: "Alongside the Nelson City Council's Mayor's office, I proudly support Saint Nicholas Children's Trust in their vital work to raise awareness and take positive steps to protect our tamariki from child sexual exploitation".
"Together we are building a safer future for every child in our community."
Boyack notes: "Distressingly, child sexual exploitation happens in New Zealand too".
"We should do all we can, as a community and as a nation, to shine a light on this abhorrent practice, and to put the resources in to end child sexual exploitation, here in New Zealand and across the globe."
The screening follows the charity's launch earlier this year, which drew support from other local leaders including Nelson Mayor Nick Smith and Maungakiekie MP Greg Fleming.
Supporters wore masks to symbolise the children who are sexually exploited without the ability to speak up for themselves and conducted a silent march through Nelson's town centre.
More information on the Saint Nicholas Children's Trust can be found on our website:
