Fitness Event Creates Awareness for International Child Trafficking Issues

Over forty Wilsonville and surrounding-area residents braved icy conditions to participate in the Run-Cycle-Stroll Fitness event held on Saturday, December 16, 2006 at the Village at Main Street in Wilsonville. The fitness event was organized by Wilsonville resident Denise Ker and Village Focus International in conjunction with Cambodia’s Angkor International Bike Race and Half-Marathon taking place on the same day. Both events raised over $45,000 for child protection and empowerment programs in Cambodia.

“This was the perfect opportunity to involve the local community, create awareness and take a stand against child trafficking. Each one of us has the opportunity to be the voice for children around the world who have no voice and no rights,” stated Denise Ker, event organizer.

The Cambodia-American Community of Oregon also participated in the event. Chanly Bob, Board Chairman of the organization is keenly aware of the extent of problems in his homeland. “In Cambodia, suffering and hunger are at such a level that people have to go against their own morals to provide food and the basics of life for their families. CACO and Villlage Focus feel that this situation is completely unacceptable and are working to prevent, combat and improve the lives of the people in this country so that they will no longer have to make these grave decisions. We are grateful to the caring people of Oregon for their help with this important effort,” stated Bob.

Village Focus International will be working with local schools and organization in 2007 organizing walk-run-a-thons to support child protection programs in Southeast Asia, Africa, India and the United States. For more information on upcoming events, contact Village Focus International at 503.788.7666 or email laura@villagefocus.org. Village Focus International, a Oregon-based international non-government 501(c)(3) organization, mobilizes community action, local authorities, and the international community to protect children from sex abuse. Programs empower vulnerable youth throughout Cambodia using performing and visual arts as educational tools to increase awareness of social issues amongst poor and marginalized communities.

Riley Ker and Luke Formiller cheer on the cyclists -
Bruce Cramer, Dale Pace, and Paul Formiller

Runners - Danielle Embree, Denise Ker (runner in spirit), Traci Mederos
and Dusti Ker warm up after 5K run

Merinda Gray leads thirty walkers and strollers through the streets of Wilsonvlle,
while Angie Capri and Steve Ker pick up the pace.

Thank you to Chann Noun and Chanly Bob from
Cambodian-American Community of Oregon &
Denise Ker and Laura Johnson from
Village Focus International for organizing and promoting the event.

Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers!

SPONSORS

Bally Total Fitness - Complimentary Day Passes
DoubleTree Lloyd Center Hotel - Cookies
Global Learning -Fundraising Matching Funds
Village at Main Street - Facility Meeting Space
Van Dyke Signmakers - Event Banner

VOLUNTEERS

Laura Johnson and Village Focus International
Chanly Bob and Cambodian-American Community of Oregon
Merinda Gray and Beth Daniels - Walk-Stroll Leaders
Paul Formiller - Bike Race Leader
Zeke Zeliff and Wendy Webb - Bike Race
Janet Porter, Carol Ker, Steve Ker, and Andrea Lowery - Registration and Refreshments
Chad Ker - Videographer