A group of nine students from Mountain Brook Junior High and High schools is using fitness and other interests to combat human trafficking and famine in Sudan.
The students – Mary Harbin Porter, Sarah Jane Garner, Reese Gardner, Brooke Johnston, Chappell Williams, Sessions Robinson, Clarke Gillespy, Murray Dean and Caroline Jones – are youth ambassadors with Lift Up the Vulnerable. The New York-based nonprofit with Birmingham roots works to prevent human trafficking of vulnerable children and women in war zones.
The students have sponsored a series of community-based initiatives, including walks and a fundraiser at Waldo’s Chicken and Beer in Cahaba Heights, as well as participating in the Mountain Brook Christmas parade, to support LUV.
The goal is to raise awareness in the community and the funds to nourish the 445 children protected by LUV in Sudan for one month, which costs $25 per child, according to a statement issued by the organization.
“Civil war in Sudan has left women and children extremely vulnerable. With these compassionate youth and our global network, we are committed to protecting, educating and nourishing 445 children in Sudan this year, where war, displacement, increased rates of human trafficking, and food insecurity are affecting over 10 million people,” Audrey Moore, LUV’s CEO and Birmingham-resident said in the statement.
Katie Robinson, LUV’s regional ambassador for Birmingham, applauded the students.
“It is inspiring to engage these young future leaders from our community to know that we are not just improving our own health but also the health and wellbeing of children and youth that we will never meet,” she said.
To support their students’ fundraising efforts, visit liftupthevulnerable.networkforgood.com/projects/225866-luv-youth-ambassadors-alabama-region-s-fundraiser
