UCF fraternities Sigma Chi and Alpha Tau Omega teamed up to host a Greek flag football tournament in conjunction with Florida Abolitionist to raise awareness for human trafficking this past week.
The event, which had over 15 Greek organizations participate at the IM fields on Nov. 23, raised over $1,200 and brought in 750 toiletry items which will go directly to help victims in Orlando.
After being partnered together for UCF Homecoming, Sigma Chi’s Tyler Wight and ATO’s Chandler Walp teamed up with the backing of their organizations to plan a new philanthropy that would fight human sex trafficking in the Orlando area.
Orlando has the third highest rate of human sex trafficking in Florida and the state of Florida has the third highest rate in the country. When Wright did more research into human sex trafficking in Florida, he realized that raising awareness for it is something that resonates with him.
“I have seen testimonies from girls around the age of 13 who have been kidnapped and put in these environments or either grew up in these environments. Some of the girls have said they have been forced into sexual relations at a rate as high as eight to 10 times a day and even forced to take drugs until they are hooked on a substance,” said Wright. “It is truly sickening and raising awareness for this cause is something both Sigma Chi and ATO have committed to doing.”
Aside from the flag football tournament, the fraternities held a toiletry drive from Nov. 17-23, which raised items to help the rescued victims transition back into normal life.
Florida Abolitionist is a non-profit organization that is responsible for helping raise awareness for human sex trafficking. Florida Abolitionist also works with the Orlando Police Department and SWAT team to rescue victims and give them a safe haven.
