William Woods group hosts fundraiser to fight sex trafficking

A Nepalese woman rescued from sex trafficking sews fashions for Elegantees, a clothing line which offers employment to trafficking victims. William Woods University's International Justice Mission will be hosting an Elegantees fashion show on Feb. 4.
A Nepalese woman rescued from sex trafficking sews fashions for Elegantees, a clothing line which offers employment to trafficking victims. William Woods University's International Justice Mission will be hosting an Elegantees fashion show on Feb. 4.

According to president Kristen Winthrow, one of the goals of the International Justice Mission (IJM) at William Woods University is to increase awareness about human trafficking.

On Monday, the group will host a special fundraiser to help in that mission. Starting at 7 p.m., area residents are invited to attend an Elegantees Fashion Show in Dulany Auditorium.

According to a press release, Elegantees gives Nepalese women rescued from sex trafficking a job sewing clothing, with profits of sales going toward their income.

Winthrow said that when Elegantees founder and designer Katie Martinez approached the William Woods IJM chapter about doing the show, the group found her cause to be a worthy one that ideally matched its own goals.

"We were really inspired by her story, so when she offered to come here we were excited," Winthrow said. "I'm most excited about seeing someone who shows it is possible to combine your education and your career and all the blessings and tools we have to bring positive change to the world."

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.