Human Trafficking is in Waterloo Region.

She was just 14 when she disappeared.

Only weeks before, she had been texting someone who promised to take care of her. He said all the right things: compliments, affection, promises of safety and belonging. And then, she was gone.

This isn’t a distant headline. Human sex trafficking is happening right here in Waterloo Region.It could be your neighbour’s daughter. Your granddaughter. Your child. But what if you could be the reason she’s safe?

Safe Haven Is Where Healing Begins

At Safe Haven Youth Services, in Downtown Kitchener, we meet kids in their darkest moments, after their safety and innocence have been stolen.Some are as young as 12. And the most heartbreaking truth? Sometimes, no one is even looking for them. Will you stand up for them?

The youth we see at Safe Haven are among the most vulnerable in our community. They carry the weight of trauma, poverty, mental illness, disability, abuse, or homelessness. Most come to us with nothing but the clothes on their backs. No trusting adult to call. No place to feel safe.

So, for these kids, Safe Haven becomes that place. We greet them with a hot meal. A blanket. Eye contact. And the words: “You’re safe now.”

But we cannot do this without your support. Safe Haven relies on fundraised dollars to keep our doors open. Government funding alone is not enough.

Please, help a young person in our community feel safe, seen, and supported. Your donation today can be the turning point.

Your gift today will ensure:

• a trained staff member to respond with care
• a clean blanket when everything else was left behind
• a warm bed and place to sleep
• a plan to stay safe when they're ready to leave
• a voice at the other end of the line at 2:00 am saying "Come back. We've got you."

Tonight, a child is waiting. Will you be the reason they feel safe?

Your support means they come to a place of care, not control. Somewhere they can begin to heal.

Thank you.