17 March 2016

24-Year Old’s ‘Dream for Change’ Realised to Rescue Sex Workers

Submitted by: Kisha Reader

Pay-it-forward initiative supports with R100K cash injection

South Africa, 17th March, 2016 – NGO human trafficking organisation, EndIt SA in partnership with community outreach programme, Streets SA which helps get sex workers off the streets, has received a much needed cash injection from The BetterLike ‘dream for change’ initiative.

EndIt SA is a global initiative aimed at ending human trafficking through coalition partnerships with organisations that are doing work on the ground everyday. One of those partners, Streets SA, spear headed by Kyle Peddle, a passionate 24 year old, assists in rescuing and rehabilitating female sex workers in order to give them a renewed sense of hope and a second chance at life.

There are an estimated 153,000 sex workers in South Africa and a staggering 45,000 children believed to be prostituted through human trafficking each year, with latest crime data showing a shocking increase annually. “My dream for change has really come true with this amazing donation of R100,000 and I am over the moon,” says Streets SA’s Peddle. “The much needed money will go towards maintaining vital rehabilitation centres and safe houses for vulnerable women on the streets of Pretoria and Bloemfontein. We will also be able to provide food, clothing and safety to more victims.” Peddle explains: “It costs an average of R3,000 per month to care for each rescued woman, so the R100,000 is going to go a long way in enabling us to try and reintegrate these abused women into society.”

This powerful ‘BetterLike’ consumer kindness initiative was developed by the BetterLife Group towards the end of 2015 as part of their CSI programme. Kyle Peddle is the first winner and has received R100,000 for EndIt SA who will assist his outreach programme, Streets SA, with the opportunity to create hope and healing in the lives of others by assisting the victims of sex trafficking. Shaun Rademeyer, CEO at BetterLife Home Loans comments: “We launched the big-hearted ‘BetterLike’ initiative to demonstrate a culture of giving back that is both heart-warming and life-changing and aims to make a positive impact by creating opportunity for a better life.”

“There are many compassionate souls who wish for a better life for those around them and through this initiative we want to give individuals the opportunity to have their selfless dreams made a reality,” Rademeyer explains. “Every two months through a simple sharing and social media liking process, the top three dreams for change participants have the opportunity to inspire as many individuals as possible and with the most likes their dream for change can become a reality.”

The caring Streets SA change-makers bravely hit the streets every Friday night to tackle the scourge of sex trafficking in Pretoria and Bloemfontein. In a video by BetterLife Home Loans, who joined the team on the ground to see the true impact of the initiative, viewers can see the devastating effects of human trafficking taking place on our city streets, watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rofdlMgQEY  “The Streets initiative does incredible work and although we know Kyle’s dream for change in the fight against human trafficking and exploitation will not be won tomorrow, every little step counts,” continues Rademeyer.

“For our organisation to be able to assist and encourage community involvement and interaction, it is a rare privilege and a motivating force in BetterLife’s continued commitment to give back.”

How the BetterLike initiative works: 1. Submit your BetterLike dream on www.betterlike.co.za 2. You will be notified if you are one of three finalists 3. You will be given 1 week to share your dream on social media to earn as many ‘likes’ as possible. 4. The winning dream for change is awarded up to R100,000

For more information on the first winning initiative go to http://enditsa.org or join the conversation on Twitter #enditsa -Ends- About BetterLife  The BetterLife Group offers comprehensive financial solutions that include bond pre-approvals, home loans, short-term insurance, life insurance and more through its various subsidiaries.