A group in Prince Albert has registered a charity that aims to make a difference in the lives of children in south-east Asia. Much of their work is done in Thailand and Myanmar, but a construction project here in Saskatchewan is helping them make an impact on the other side of the world.
Global Neighbours Canada is nearly finished building a house in Prince Albert. But it’s not for them to use. The group plans to sell the house and use the proceeds to build another house in Thailand.
Dave Heppner, with Global Neighbours Canada, says the Thai house will be a safe refuge for children at risk of being exploited in the sex trade “We're going to provide a place where these girls will be cared for and they'll be educated, so they don't have to go into this type of lifestyle."
Some of the children the group is worried could be trafficked in the sex trade are not even teenagers yet.
“I have a family of my own. I have girls, and just to think of them being in this type of business or trade or being exploited is really difficult to even think about,” says Heppner.
The goal is to have room to accommodate 30 former child prostitutes. The money raised from the sale of the Prince Albert house will go a long way to making that a reality.
Luke April, with the group, says their project has received support from the corporate community. “The construction season is very busy right now, and the thing I want to emphasize is these people are taking time away from a paying job and a very busy schedule to come and work for us for free."
In addition to contractors donating labour and expertise, many businesses have also donated building materials such as flooring. But Global Neighbours Canada are always looking for people who can donate time or money, and they even offer the opportunity to travel to Thailand.
“We do work trips two or three times a year where people come and they participate in the projects and they get to know about the work we're doing in south-east Asia,” says Heppner.
In addition to the safe house, the charity also coordinates large supply donations and runs a centre where teachers from Myanmar, who often have little or no formal training, can learn effective teaching techniques.
