Stop the Trafficking is a collaborative event that began in 2013, with the goal of coming together as a community to raise awareness and engage in the fight to end human trafficking. Our team, led by Grace Church, partners with other local churches, businesses, and the Eden Prairie Police Department to host this 5K, which is the largest run held in Eden Prairie.
Modern-day slavery touches all facets of society. Therefore, we all need to come together to end it. There are an estimated 40 million slaves in the world today, more than any other time in history. Our communities are personally affected by human trafficking, including the sexual exploitation of children. The average age a child becomes a victim of sex trafficking in the United States is 12–14 years old, and at least 100,000 children are exploited every year within our borders.
All proceeds from the race are designated to organizations working to end human trafficking. Through an application process, we select MN-based organizations, along with one international organization, focused on providing direct services to minor and adult victims. We intentionally select 4 to 6 organizations per year to broaden awareness about those who are addressing modern-day slavery in our communities and around the world.
Our 2024 recipients include Act United, Beloved, House of Hope, and Eden Prairie Police (funds go to victim care packages to support Eden Prairie PD recovery operations). Ninos Para Dios (Bucaramanga, Colombia) is this year’s international partner.
“Nothing happens just because we are aware of modern-day slavery,
but nothing will ever happen until we are.”
– Gary Haugen, International Justice Mission (IJM)