A group at the front of the line of the walk smile for a picture. InkFreeNews photo by Briley Gargis

By Briley Gargis
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE – Around 200 people walked in Winona Lake Thursday night, July 30, as a statement against Child Trafficking.

The event was organized In accordance with “World Against Child Trafficking Day,” which is a key day for the Operation Underground Railroad organization.

“In the past six years of existence, O.U.R. has rescued 3,800 victims and assisted in the arrests of more than 2,100 traffickers around the world. The partners we are empowering have collectively helped rescue the lives of more than 10,000 survivors who were enslaved, exploited, or at risk.” according to a statement from O.U.R.

The organizer, Mikayla Koontz, was able to gather a large number of donations for a silent auction at the event. In addition to other donars, there was a Kona Ice truck which donated a percentage of its sales to the organization. 

The demonstration began at Winona Lake Park around 6:30 p.m. the sizeable crowd walked the greenway trail up to Light Rail and circled back to the park. A sea of yellow and blue was seen through the parks as various families and groups participated in the walk.

The event had an organized speech and message from an area pastor but was cut short as the event was running late.

Koontz said, “There are so many more cases of child trafficking this year, it is great that our community can help to be the voice of the of the fight.”

A large line formed before the walk. InkFreeNews photo by Briley Gargis.

The event included a silent auction and donations. Plenty of balloons were distributed as well. InkFreeNews photo by Briley Gargis.