Medal credits causes Continued from page 3 5 · Friday, May 18, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Free-them is an organization and movement that raises awareness and funds to fight and abolish global human trafficking. "I kept thinking of the platform that will be given to elevate the cause and how many women and children we'll be able to free," Invidiata said. "It just blows my mind at the opportunity that this medal will be able to open up doors in Canada to rescue more women and children." Free-them partners with law-enforcement agencies and different NGOs (non-governmental organizations) to rescue and rehabilitate those forced into human trafficking, and with governments to change and implement new legislation, the movement's founder said. "The heartbeat behind what we do, is if you're not aware of an issue, you can't fight it," said Invidiata. "I believe education is our greatest tool and weapon. Once you become aware, you can never again say you didn't know." Invidiata says she first came face to face with human trafficking when she moved from Oakville to Honolulu, Hawaii in 2003 to pursue her university education. "The area where the girls (prostitutes) walk is called the `track' and it was literally across the street from my house, and I lived in a good area, not a back alleyway. And yet these girls were there," she said. Two of Invidiata's classmates began walking the "track" -- noticing they didn't look happy, Invidiata said she questioned if it was supposedly a choice to enter prostitution, then why wasn't it as easy for her former classmates to leave, as it was for them to enter into it. "I started to learn that the word `prostitute', that we equate so much with choice, is widely misrepresented and the more accurate term to be used is `prostituted'," Invidiata said. "When you learn that word, you learn about human trafficking." Invidiata says free-them (a play on words to sound like freedom) is not just about educating the public about the issue, but to teach them how they can join the movement in the fight against human trafficking. "We still don't have a national strategy to fight human trafficking in Canada and we have been pushing for that," she said. "So with this title and award, that is my top priority." John Bkila can be reached at jbkila@oakvillebeaver.com and followed on Twitter at @ NewsHooked. Your parents helped you cross the street safely, learn to ride a bike and drive a car Need for speed proves costly Having a need for speed got costly for more than 200 drivers in Oakville last week. Halton police ticketed 217 motorists for speeding during their `Project 50' enforcement campaign, which took place from May 5-12. The campaign saw officers focus their attention on residential streets where the posted speed limit is 50 km/h. Officers also issued 63 tickets for other violations such as distracted driving and stop sign infractions. Halton police said speed continues to be a factor in motor vehicle collisions as a driver who is speeding is less able to negotiate the twists and turns of the road and steer around hazards. "Excessive speed through neighbourhoods is not only dangerous, it affects the quality of life for those that live there," said Sgt. Julie Craddock-Bijl, Oakville District Response Unit. Police are hopeful that through public education and enforcement, drivers will think twice before driving too fast. Now they need you to help them make the right decision If conversations have begun to explore the topic of retirement living, you're probably wondering where to begin. The most important thing is to find the option that best suits your parent's needs. At Chartwell, our professionally trained staff can help you navigate the decision-making process and help you decide on the best option. Where To Begin Helping your parent through life's transitions Wednesday, May 30th · 7:00pm 8:30pm Join us for an information session on retirement living and support. The adult children of the residents of Chartwell Classic Oakville will lead a discussion group on helping your loved ones make the transition to retirement living. Hear first hand from their experiences. All are welcome. Call to RSVP! VISIt our WeDneSDAY, open House on MAY 30 HSC IS reInVeStIng In our future. We are creating a studentcentred learning environment to unleash the academic potential of all students in the College and to maximize the accomplishments and potential of our graduates. - Marc Ayotte, Head of College Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for students from M3 and PK to Grade 12. Visit us at www.hsc.on.ca. Call Scott Barton It's worth it! 905-389-1367 www.hsc.on.ca RETIREMENT RESIDENCE 180 Oak Park Blvd., Oakville 905-257-0095 www.chartwellreit.ca Making People's Lives Better