Lake Area Ride To Freedom Shines Light On Human Trafficking

CAMDENTON, Mo. — Community members are invited to take part in a Ride to Freedom caravan later this month in recognition of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

The event, organized by Gerald Greenheck, will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 26. Participants will meet in the parking lot near The Tavern Smokehouse, 1175 N. Business Route 5 in Camdenton, before traveling together to the parking lot near Grandpa's Ice Cream and Pies, 1381 Bagnell Dam Blvd. in Lake Ozark.

Greenheck said he began organizing local awareness events in 2023 after being inspired by the film Sound of Freedom. He noted that tourist destinations such as Lake of the Ozarks can also be areas where human trafficking occurs, and hopes the caravan will encourage conversations about the issue.

According to OUR Rescue, nearly 50 million people are trapped in human trafficking worldwide, with women and girls accounting for 71% of victims. Last year alone, the organization said it helped rescue 1,806 survivors and supported 3,182 arrests in the fight against the multibillion-dollar human trafficking industry.

"This is in honor of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons," Greenheck said. "The goal of the event is to gather with a group of supporters to drive in a procession of vehicles through neighborhoods and public spaces, raising awareness of and advocating for the end of human trafficking."

The event, while not a fundraiser, is open to anyone and those who participate can simply arrive at the starting location before 2 p.m. Greenheck will lead the caravan with Operation Underground Railroad flags, though participants are welcome to display banners supporting efforts to end human trafficking.

Those with questions can contact Greenheck at protectinnocencemo@gmail.com. More information about the Ride to Freedom initiative is available at ourrescue.org/riseup.

For further ways to support the fight against human trafficking, Greenheck recommends these organizations: OUR Rescue, Covenant Rescue Group, Bikers Against Child Abuse, and the Lake of the Ozarks Stop Human Trafficking Coalition.