FORT WAYNE — Destiny Rescue, an international nonprofit organization that rescues children from sexual slavery, is celebrating Human Trafficking Awareness Month by launching its second annual Red Shoe Campaign.

The campaign encourages people to be a voice for those trapped by wearing red shoes to raise awareness of the issue of child sex trafficking.

“Red shoes have a deep meaning to our organization,” said Aaron Brown, national director of operations for Destiny Rescue. “Our founder was undercover in a brothel when he saw a small pair of red shoes by the door of a room. He could hear what was happening to the young girl behind the closed door. It was a moment that he has never forgotten. The image of those red shoes is a constant reminder that there are more children who are trapped and being sold. It drives us to keep going and to keep fighting until they are all free.”

Those who participate in the Red Shoe Campaign can post photos on social media using #HerRedShoes and #irescue. The campaign will run through Feb. 3.

“Our hope is that people will join the fight simply by being a voice,” said Brown. “Wearing red shoes could create a conversation with someone who had no idea that this was happening to children. A child might just get rescued because of it. In the end, no child should experience the horrors of sexual exploitation and we need to make sure that everyone knows about the issue, these children and their stories.”

Human trafficking is the fastest growing illegal activity in today’s world. The commercial sex trade generates approximately $99 billion a year. The International Labor Organization estimates that there are over one million children trapped in the sex trade who are crying out to be rescued.

In addition to creating awareness through red shoes, Destiny Rescue has a goal of gathering 100 new rescue partners during the campaign timeframe. A rescue partner is a monthly supporter who helps rescue and restore children through financial support. You can learn about becoming a rescue partner at rp82.org or by visiting Destiny Rescue’s website.