Sandy's Story
I’d like to share a little of my journey with you. In order to do that I need to go back about 20 years when I met and married my husband Tom. Tom, a retired member of the RCMP, is a global expert on terrorist financing and much of his work takes him to South East Asia. When we came together, Tom started introducing me to the parts of the world his work takes him to. We travelled first to Thailand and that’s where my journey begins. Every time I was there it seemed everywhere I looked I was met with beautiful young girls on the arm of much older, seemingly wealthy white men, they were Europeans, Australians, Americans and sadly for me, Canadians. I’m not really a person who judges, but I knew in my heart that there was something wrong with this picture. I eventually learned that most of these women grow up in such extreme poverty that their own families encourage them to find security and to seek out these men as solutions.
I’m sure they believe they’ve met the prince on the white horse, but I doubt that’s how it turns out in most cases.
Something had been awakened inside of me. I’ve been in this business for over 25 years .
My husband and I then traveled to Phenom Penn, and experienced firsthand the horrific conditions many children live in. We toured Svoy Pak, which is ground zero for child trafficking, we saw the brothels, the johns, the pimps, and I was sickened. We then got to tour “New Song” a beautiful safe house, which houses 60 little girls after they have been rescued from the brothels. At New Song, these girls are provided with safety, food, shelter, the love they so deserve and hope for a better life. During the day I spent there, I met little girls aged 6 and up who spoke perfect English and I knew I was being called to get involved.
Tom and I returned and founded Be The Change, I’m proud to say, our foundation, for many years, kept New Songs doors open.
Be The Change has raised over $500,000 and counting.
Memorable Moments from Past Events
