Charity 5K run/1-mile walk proceeds benefit Family Services of Tulare County and California Family Crisis Center
VISALIA – The 2019 Justice Run “Run for Freedom” takes place Saturday, Jan. 19 in Mooney Grove Park. Registration for the 5K run/1 mile walk is open until 7:45 the morning of the event.
Hosted by the Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force and the Tulare County District Attorney’s Office, proceeds benefit Family Services of Tulare County and the Central California Family Crisis Center. These agencies serve the needs of human trafficking victims and their children who have been victimized by crime. The goal is simple to put a stop to human trafficking!
“Since its inception in 2011, the Justice Run has supported victims and brought awareness to crimes like domestic violence and sexual assault and their impacts on our communities,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “This year, we’re pleased to partner with the Human Trafficking Task Force, victim service non-profits, and law enforcement to take a united stand against this terrible crime that hides in plain sight.
“We hope that with more education and more awareness on how this crime occurs, we can work together towards justice and help victims become survivors.”
While the race has been missed for a couple of years, the DA’s office and others felt it important to bring back.
“The 2015 race was held at Granite Hills High School in Porterville, the first time the race was held in the south county,” said Stuart Anderson, public information officer for the DA’s office. “There was no race in 2016 and 2017.
Each race has hundreds of participants. The 2014 race had over 450.
Traditionally the race had been held in October as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For the first time, the race will be held in January in observance of Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Partners for the race include the TCDA’s office, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, Family Services of Tulare County, Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency – Child Welfare Services, the Central California Family Crisis Center, the Visalia, Porterville and Tulare Police Departments, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office Department of Justice.
Community service organizations will have booths at the event to distribute resources on crime prevention and other needs.
The entry fee to participate in either the chip-timed run, or walk is $35. For more information and to register online, visit www.da-tulareco.org/runforfreedom.htm.
