Vancouver, British Columbia | February 3, 2012 — The Salvation Army in British Columbia is excited and motivated to share news of the newly re‐launched Truth Isn't Sexy campaign ( "I deserve freedom" ) for 2012. This powerful anti‐human trafficking campaign focuses on the human epidemic of trafficked youth for sexual services.

thetruthisntsexy.ca ( website ) is now live and includes information for education and awareness as well as creative for the new integrated campaign. The campaign created by Mercer Creative Group features innocent faces of youth spanning all ages and ethnicities under the banner headline, ‘I deserve freedom’. It consists of television, digital media, billboards, transit platform posters and interior transit advertising, along with a range of strategic awareness collateral.

The Salvation Army is making it a divisional priority to bring attention to this epidemic through fundraisers such as the annual Hope in the City Luncheon ‐ which benefits The Salvation Army’s fight against human sexual trafficking ‐ which raised an incredible $110,000 to provide support and a safe environment for survivors of exploitation and human sexual trafficking.

Funds raised over the last seven years have been critical in opening a safe house for survivors, the first of its kind in Canada. Through the support of those who care, Deborah’s Gate can continue to provide safe shelter and supportive recovery in a dignified and non‐judgemental environment.

The awareness and furthered education that will be shaped through this new campaign along with the support of those in our communities will continue to support The Salvation Army's fight again human trafficking. Doing something can help turn victims into survivors.

Did you know? There are an estimated 27 million slaves world wide. 250,000 exist in North America alone. Many of them in Vancouver, British Columbia. 75 ‐ 80% of human trafficking is for sex, followed by forced labor and organ harvesting. 80% of those sold into slavery are under the age of 24. Some as young as 6. Currently, only 1 ‐ 2 % of victims are rescued.

[Source: Salvation Army British Columbia]