i just want to say the sally ann are responsible for harming sex workers directly through their anti trafficking campaign and even went as far as to kidnap sex workers for their own good or to "rescue" them in australia, yes kidnapp in the words of members of the scarlette alliance.
here was our response;
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=121544121963&v=info#!/group.php?gid=121544121963
we met with them, they dismissed us, they are totally ignorant in terms of blindly moving forward actions even though they are in direct conflict with recommended approaches for supporting people who have experienced human trafficking.
i do understnad that they are one of the only front line groups in canada and are connected with alot of the homeless shelters etc but don't be fooled, they are taking huge wages and are not accountable in anyway, they are a church and as such do not have to open their books for scrutiny.
the benjamin perrin human trafficking event alone brings in $80,000.00..... enough money to kepp all 3 frontline sex worker organizations open for a year.
the sally ann claimed to be " building a house for human trafficking victims", when in fact it was some beds in part of one of their half way houses where men fresh out of prison and with multiple barriers (addiction mental illness)also live in direct conflict with the way survivors are supposed to receive support.
but they fund raise away, lying to the public about their activities and intentions.
go ahead and give to the sally ann, they won't be getting one dime from me.
if people want to do something amazing, give to one of the sex workers organziations. that way the money will actually reach the front line where people need it.
PACE Society, PEERS Vancouver and WISH drop in center society could all use immediate finacial support, peers especially, they maybe forced to close theor doors due to cut backs, the only exiting program in the lower mainland....mainland bc for that matter
i know its hard to imagine such an iconic organization actually causing harm, but they are. and i have to also agree with the labour code and human rights violation piece, many of the faith based organizations in the east end are the same. i remember the franciscan sisters were the worst, treating their employees like slaves, no raises, no benefits...one guy worked there for 13 years without ever receieving a raise ($9.00 an hour) and when he was fired for questioning their labour practices had to take them to court for them to see what they had done....even then they refused to acknolwedge wht they did was wrong as if people should be greatful to be paid at all....
anyway, once again, please feel free to donate to whom ever you like but just because we think an organization is beyond good, it may in fact not be the case.
incidently, they also support the nordic model of criminalize the client believing all of you are rapist, pervert pedophiles looking for little girls vagina's to purchas....ya..... they lobby for it as well.
so really, do you want to give money to a group who would see you imprisoned and your life ruined because you needed a little companionship....? and who use sex workers pain and suffering as a fundraising tool?
love susieXXXO