To mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we are pleased to share that we have recently received a generous donation on behalf of The Rotary Club of London, to support the work of Caritas Bakhita House with survivors of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery.
Funds for the service were raised at a charity dinner and auction hosted by The Rotary Club in the House of Lords, attended by members of the club, friends and supporters. Richard Harries, Director of Caritas Westminster, was pleased to attend alongside Karen Anstiss, Head of Caritas Bakhita House, who spoke movingly about the centre’s work. The event was also attended by Archbishop Miguel Buendía, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain.
On the occasion of the centre’s 10th anniversary at the end of June, a cheque was presented by Anahita Harris, President of The Rotary Club of London, and Daib Akhter, Honorary Secretary of the same, who were also present at the Mass of Thanksgiving for the safe house celebrated by Cardinal Vincent Nichols at Westminster Cathedral.
Akhter commented: ‘It has been a pleasure working with Caritas Bakhita House and supporting the great work that Karen and Anna do alongside a team of volunteers from the Church and laypeople. I [also] want to thank Richard Harries for the great work that he has done at the helm of Caritas Westminster; a true Catholic leader and apostle of Christ.’
Following the Mass, Akhter presented a quilt made by guests of the centre, which he had acquired at the charity auction, to Cardinal Vincent Nichols; a moving reminder of the many ways in which the safe house brings people together to support the recovery of its guests and the fight against human trafficking.
Karen Anstiss said: ‘We are incredibly grateful for the generosity shown to us by the Rotary Club community. Your support, like that of many other individuals and organisations, is vital in allowing us to offer the personalised, 24/7 care we give to each and every one of our guests. I thank you sincerely; on their behalf and from everyone whose lives have been touched by Caritas Bakhita House.’
Caritas Bakhita House is a safe house for survivors of modern slavery, exploitation and human trafficking. Since opening in 2015, the centre has provided accommodation to over 200 women and 18 babies from almost 50 different countries. Alongside tailored therapeutic and trauma-informed care, the centre also assists women with bringing perpetrators to justice, and has helped to secure a total of 223 years of prison sentences.
