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First Relay Against Trafficking Event: A Success in Minnesota
Date Posted: 3/23/2006

Minneapolis MN- On March 17^th, 2006 approximately 160 people were in attendance for the inaugural Relay Against Trafficking, a joint effort by the Union of North American Vietnamese Student Association (uNAVSA) and the Viet Alliance to Combat Trafficking (VietACT.) The University of Minnesota, Vietnamese Student Association, hosted the Race for Rights. Students from various universities from the Midwest as well as other regions across the U.S. were present.

At the event, Reverend Nguyen Cuong gave a moving presentation regarding the tragedies Vietnamese men and women face when being trafficked across borders in Taiwan specifically. Trinh Hoi, a MC for Asia Entertainment, was also present and rallied the attendees to be proactive in ending Human Trafficking. Local Minnesota community leaders were also present to give their support.

Attendees continued to walk along the track throughout the night to symbolize the continual struggle to fight against Human Trafficking and to remember the victims and survivors. This event was organized entirely by students and volunteers.
A total of $ 6200 was raised and will be donated VietACT's anti-trafficking efforts. According to the local organizers, donations are still coming in.

The National Relay Against Trafficking will continue through May 13, 2006 with three simultaneous events in Southern California, Northern California, and Atlanta, Georgia. The next event will be held in Austin, Texas in conjunction with the 2nd National Vietnamese American Student Conference.

For more information on the National Relay Against Trafficking, please visit www.vietact.org.