Scottish Catholic Observer

An ecumenical charity and an anti-human trafficking group have teamed up to bring global concerns to people attending this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

More than Gold and STOP THE TRAFFIK will set up walk-in pieces of public art that spread the knowledge of human trafficking—and they are calling for the help of members of the public to assist their worthy cause, according to Justice and Peace Scotland, who advise the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland in matters relating to social justice, international peace and human rights, and promotes action in these areas.

The Four Gift Boxes (one shown above) coming to Glasgow are large sculptures that look like welcoming gifts but expose the realities of slavery on the inside. They will be set up in the city for the duration of the Games.

The Gift Boxes were originally developed for the London Olympics by STOP THE TRAFFIK and the United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking.

Volunteers are now needed to staff the boxes and training for those interested in helping will take place in Glasgow this Wednesday (May 14), Saturday May 24 and Thursday June 12. Each training session will last two hours and volunteers are asked to attend one session.

There will be four boxes placed in central Glasgow and will all be open for the duration of the Games period from July 23 to August 3.

Pope Francis recently described human trafficking as ‘a crime against humanity’ as international police chiefs and religious figures pledged in the Vatican to work together to fight modern-day slavery.

Volunteers wishing to get involved can contact: Marie Cooke, More than Gold Social Justice Team at [email protected] or 07876787713. Find out more about the Gift boxes at www.stopthetraffik.org/campaign/giftbox