It’s a long way from King County to Cambodia.
But for the people behind the Seattle-based Justice and Soul Foundation, it’s a trip worth making regularly to ensure the social enterprise they started in Phnom Penh in 2014 continues to give new hope to individuals who previously had little.
The Foundation’s Kate Korpi academy and salon there trains and employs survivors of the sex trafficking trade, as well as vulnerable youth. Profits from the Western-style salon provide academy scholarships for new students, who learn cosmetology, business management, team building and independent living skills.
But as Matthew Fairfax, Justice and Soul co-founder and President/CEO of Seattle’s James Alan Salon and Spa points out, sex trafficking and exploitation “isn’t just there, the problem is right here in our backyard.”
Fashion Soulstice helps expand the training model here
There’s a fun way to support Justice and Soul’s plans for a Seattle academy and salon program, which aims to train local young people at risk and sex trafficking survivors in a similar way to those being helped in Cambodia.
The seventh annual Fashion Soulstice fundraiser happens March 14 at Bell Harbor International Conference Center. Beauty specialists from 13 area salons will have their artistry on display via the models on the runway. Enjoy a cocktail and an appetizer or two, bid on some great silent auction items including trips, wine and other cool merchandise, then experience some high-energy entertainment.
“They get to produce their own show and have it choreographed to their own music. It’s a great way to highlight hair and makeup artistry and fashion together,” says Justice and Soul executive director Sarah Fraser Brands.
Fun factor combined with moving message
While staging a fun event for like-minded people makes for a memorable time, Justice and Soul hopes attendees gain a greater understanding of the problem, Brands says.
“We are raising money – over $150,000 was raised last year. But we also see the event as a time to advocate and educate people about the cause, and raise awareness that this issue is happening right here with our local kids in Seattle,” she says. “The hope is by talking about it, we bring it out into the open and help people know what to watch for and encourage them to get involved.”
Donating to the cause is easy
If you’re looking for a way to directly affect the lives of those at risk in your community and others, giving back is as easy as buying a ticket to Fashion Soulstice (four levels are available), making a donation online or doing both if you can!
You can find more information on Foundation activities and programs at justiceandsoul.org or by emailing sarah@justiceandsoul.org. You can also follow the Foundation on Facebook and Instagram.
Attendees get into the spirit of things at Justice and Soul’s Fashion Soulstice fundraiser in 2019. Photos by Lisa Bontje
