A fundraiser for Destiny Rescue, a charity committed to rescuing children from the sex-trade, will be held at the Glenbrook Baptist Church in King Street this Saturday, June 1 at 7pm.
Local country gospel band, The Peter Christie Band, will perform at the fundraiser. A Destiny Rescue representative will address the event and answer people's questions. There will also be jewellery, t-shirts and other items made by the rescued children available for sale on the night.
The Peter Christie Band has been touring the east coast of Australia for the past two years, steadily building a reputation as musicians with a mission to rural Australia.
During a recent music festival in Toowoomba, Mr Christie and the band learned about the Australian aid organisation, Destiny Rescue. Founded in Queensland by Tony Kirwan, it operates in Thailand, India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Mozambique.
Destiny Rescue sends rescue agents into brothels, red light districts and sexually abusive situations to protect under-age children. It works closely with government agencies and international non-government organisations, getting leads and valuable information as needed.
"The thing that most struck me about Destiny Rescue was its holistic approach to working with these children. The agents rescue the kids, they are provided with a safe place to live, they receive counselling, they are educated, they are taught trades such as jewellery making and hairdressing," said Mr Christie.
"They are given jobs that support them and their families and then they themselves connect with children still enslaved which leads to more rescues. These kids are given a destiny. It is incredible and inspiring.
"As a band, we wanted to help this organisation, and so we have teamed up to use our upcoming album launch as a fundraiser for the organisation."
Tickets for the fundraiser are $10 at the door with children under 12 free. All proceeds of the night will go directly to Destiny Rescue.
For more details email peter@peterchristie.com.au.
