The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, November 30, 2011 · 10 Change for the better can start with you Continued from page 1 Both also volunteer and are focused on creating environmentally-friendly products. Invidiata is the founder of [free-them], an organization dedicated to eradicating human trafficking. The organization hosts a number of awareness-raising events throughout the year. Den Elzen's company, Wee Sang Designs, allows Courtney to do what she is passionate about -- work in the fashion industry, while being an agent of positive social change. The company donates to KSM, which supports more than 5,000 of Oakville's most vulnerable citizens. In addition, the donation supports Free the Children's Adopt-A-Village Program in Sri Lanka. Den Elzen also volunteers at KSM. In her acceptance speech, den Elzen said, "Although change may seem far away, it's not. There are thousands of people around the world making a difference, doing amazing things -- here in this room, in this town, in this country and in this world." She said change will come only when individuals commit themselves to peace. "It's a lot easier than it sounds. Peace can come from a small reassuring smile or volunteering at your favourite charity," she said. Den Elzen said she has an amazing feeling whenever she volunteers her time. "There's nothing that can compare to the feeling of knowing that you made a difference in someone's life. All of us deserve to feel that." Shae Invidiata She said people should follow their passion and do something they love to make change. "I truly believe we can all make a difference. Peace is generally perceived as a global, national or community concept. It is. But the true advantage of it is the individuals -- you and me," she said. "Small, every-day actions are the key to making a difference. But you don't have to stop there. Start small and your impact will grow. As your impact grows, it will inspire others' efforts." Invidiata began her fight against the sextrade when she began studying at Hawaii Pacific University. She saw prostitutes in her neighbourhood every day. She began meeting with the women on the street, trying to learn why they were there. She learned the word "prostitute" was incorrectly used as it suggests choice. The correct word is "prostituted" she said, as the women and girls in the trade are usually not there by choice. There are 27 million people in slavery today, Invidiata said, 80 per cent of whom are women and children and 70 per cent are abducted for the purpose of sexual exploitation. She told the audience Canada is one of the most free countries on Earth, yet problems of human trafficking exist here. "This happens right here in our community, right here in Oakville," she said, and added it happens in Peel and Niagara regions and the surrounding area. Fighting human trafficking is difficult, even in Canada, Invidiata noted. However she has received support from local politicians, MPP Kevin Flynn, MP Terence Young and Councillor Dave Gittings among others. With a large number of youths in the audience, Invidiata said a person is never too young to make a positive change. She said a small group of thoughtful individuals can alter the world and a person doesn't need any special training to do so. "I didn't go g to school to start an organization. g I Courtney den Elzen did not go to school for public speaking ... It was one idea and I was committed to that thought," she said. Invidiata shared a quote from former South African president Nelson Mandela: "To be free is not merely to just knock off one's chains, but to live in a way that enhances the freedom of others." The event also featured other presentations and included a Youth Expo after the breakfast. For more, , see page p g 15. OA -Chair 6, Poppy Co 8 4 h c n ra B oort RCL p w u e i N y r a AGA M hair ppy Co-Chair Poppy Co-C o , P 6 , 8 4 4 1 h 1 c h n c a ra n RCL Bra l RCL B e y c a n e R V . e L k i n a M i r B nt o-Chair 486, Preside 14, Poppy C h 1 c h n c n ra a B ra L B C L RC nders R a L n o R t n e Shirley Stacey id s re 114, P RCL Branch s d l e i h William N. S OU, Y K N A H T IN, WE o of the Roya r generous c s u r o e y b ng record r in m o d e f n m a S t e K s t h N t u A f o o H n f T a On behal WARMEST r's campaign R a U e y O r is ur many e h f o t f o o e t d o e t a c d m n e a s s t a a is h we are ple port and ass articipation p p u r s u e o Y id v . e o r v i p Dr ion to izations. g n e a L g r e o h t 2011 Poppy le b le a b unteers. olu d charit will ena e V t h e c la i v e iv h r r w D d , n y s a s p e p s Po succ a Veteran the tireless ll a o t n Oakville Are io t !! Y T I ere apprecia c N in s U t s M o m M r d ou We all exten KVILLE CO E Z I T s 114 and 48 I e h c C n a r B E le il ng the durin egion, Oakv L s TO TH n n io ia t d u a b ib n r a t C n l E L L I V K NS OF OA 6,