Sex trafficking is a 100 billion dollar business worldwide, with 98% of those victims being women and young girls.  

The Magdalene House in Red Deer, is a non-profit charity which specializes in the recovery of people who are exploited by human trafficking. 

Currently, their building is closed until they can raise the funds to reopen it, which is why they are having a charity golf tournament on August 18th.  

President of the Board of Directors David Bouchard says even though their building isn't open, they can still assist victims of human trafficking. 

“We line up the other groups that will provide those kinds of services. So we work with different associations here in Red Deer to be able to offer the activates that the people need. In terms of health, we would take them through an AA program, or group therapy, certainly physiotherapy, cause a lot of them have been in the sex trade for a long time, and are suffering from PTSD.” 

Bouchard says in addition to directing people to the appropriate resources around Red Deer, the Magdalene House is dedicating this year to raising funds, and raising awareness for middle and senior high students.

“I’m focusing on the education piece, so that we can build up the awareness, and we can get more funding for re-opening the house. So that’s part of our focus for the coming year, is working on this education program for middle school and a high school.”

The Magdalene House is hosting a charity golf tournament start Friday at 10am, at the Meadowlands golf Club. 

For more information on what the Magdalene House does, including information if you or someone you know is affected by human trafficking, you can check out their website, Magdalenehouse.ca.