Once you hear about the issue of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, it never really leaves your soul. It’s amazing to consider the positive ripple effect our work can have on so many.

A few years ago, #NotInMyCity Ally Sarah Koles attended one of our awareness events at the Deane House in Calgary. She learned about the issue of modern day slavery in Canada, and shared her experience with her daughter Mimi.

Says Sarah, “Mimi was inspired to do something after hearing about #NotInMyCity. She has been helping me prepare monthly drop offs for HERVictory, and wanted to do more.”

For Mimi, the issue really hit home when she realized the ages of young women being exploited – they were so close to her own age – and she knew the incidence of sex trafficking throughout Canada was on the rise.

An artist at heart, Mimi took pen to paper and came up with a unique #NotInMyCity rendering. She decided to put the rendering on the back of yellow western shirts to sell and raise funds for our cause, with the help of Trademark Workwear Incorporated.  Mimi is currently enrolled in architectural engineering in Waterloo, Ontario, and we are so proud to call her an Ally.

Mimi’s mom Sarah has close ties to Village Brewery, making an introduction for Mimi and providing a great channel to promote and sell the shirts. We applaud Village Brewery for being willing to support us (and Mimi!) in raising awareness.

We are SO inspired by Mimi’s advocacy and creativity! If you’re enjoying a backyard pancake breakfast this year, we encourage you to wear Mimi’s print with pride and the knowledge that you’re supporting our fight to disrupt and end human trafficking.

There are limited quantities of this incredible shirt, so don’t miss out!

Shirts can now be purchased for pick up or delivery through the Village Brewery website. The cost is $125, with all net proceeds going to #NotInMyCity. Available in Ladies XS, S, M, and L and Men’s L and XL.

A huge “yahoo” to the whole team at Village Brewery for supporting this initiative as part of our ongoing #SeeingYellow efforts!