Every February 14th, we are given the chance to be unabashedly cheesy. From little notes of adoration to big gifts of affection, we pamper our loved ones—family, friends, and significant others. It’s fascinating how a day can magically transform all of us to be that much more loving, and that much more expressive of our love.
Perhaps that’s why I like Valentine’s Day. Not so much the romantic and commercial aspect of it, but the realization of how capable each and every one of us is to love others. Through thinking of the people we hold dear in our lives, we love. We love because we care.
And this ability and capacity to love is what truly inspired our Task Force to organize our benefit concert event, “Broken Hearts.” This Valentine’s Day, we’re inviting the Tufts University campus community to come listen to stories of human trafficking, and to express their passion for ending child trafficking through song, dance, art, and poetry.
Approximately 21 million people remain enslaved today, out of which 4.5 million are believed to be involved in sexual exploitation. One child in Love146’s Survivor Care program was reportedly sold by her trafficker for just $72—that’s less than the cost of some of our textbooks. For the first time in the history of Love146, they have had to turn children away because the funding has not kept up with the growing need. So we asked ourselves, “What can we do to change this? What can we do so that such situations can be avoided? What can we do as individuals?”
Our answer is that we do what we can—we love. Let us extend the very same love that we have for our loved ones. Let us learn to love those we have never met. Let us choose to care with open hearts.
Today, we celebrate broken hearts: our hearts go out to all the children that have been and are going through sex trafficking around the world. Today, we celebrate love: in its multifaceted ways and forms of expression—through stories, dance, songs, and instruments. Today, we remember that in darkness, there is light and there is hope.
Supporter Spotlights celebrate what brought supporters to journey with Love146, and share how they are choosing to take action. Every person is unique and we invite you to join them if you’re inspired, or find your own authentic expression.
