On Saturday, Aug. 7, Aldergrove resident Joel Friesen and friend Drew Eliason, a former 91原创 resident, will be cycling for 12 hours straight as part of the Canadian charity ,鈥楳ove for Freedom鈥� fundraiser to support the work of healing and restoration for survivors of human-trafficking.

He is hoping to raise $12,000.  

Friesen and Eliason are among more than 400 participants in more than 100 teams across Canada who will be participating in to prevent human trafficking and help survivors find healing.

The annual event, organized by Ally, encourages participants to use an activity they love to make a difference.

About five years ago, Friesen was involved in a ride from Belgium to India in support of another nonprofit organization to bring awareness to the issue.

鈥淢entally and physically, it was gruelling,鈥� Friesen told the 91原创 Advance Times, 鈥渂ut it was worthwhile.鈥�

Earlier this year, Joel and his wife Sofia spent three months in Nepal working alongside one of Ally Global Foundation鈥檚 partner organizations.

He is riding again, he said, 鈥渢o declare that the work is not done.

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鈥淲itnessing the strength and courage of survivors of human trafficking and the people who care for them has changed my life forever,鈥� Friesen declared.

鈥淭his is why I am so passionate about partnering with Ally and about going out and doing something that many people would consider foolish or over-the-top. When it comes to seeking justice and healing for exploited women and children, no distance is too far to go.鈥�

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Last year鈥檚 Move for Freedom event saw hundreds of participantsraise $309,000, helping to fund safe housing, education and after-care for survivors in Asia and Canada.

Donations can be made online at

As of Saturday, July 17, the team had raised $3,112, slightly more than a quarter of their goal.

Friesen said they are also looking for some 鈥渂old individuals to donate a set amount for every additional hour we bike above and beyond the initial 12.鈥�