One of my favorite aspects of dōTERRA is the humanitarian work we do around the world to make a difference in the lives of people in impoverished countries through our Co-Impact Sourcing initiative and Healing Hands, the company's non-profit organization. Not only do we care about the powerful oils we source, but we also care deeply about the people who source them and the communities that surround our growers and distillers. Last year, dōTERRA began partnering with an organization called O.U.R. (Operation Underground Railroad), which works to free and rehabilitate victims of human trafficking.
You may already be aware that modern-day trafficking around the world has enslaved more than 30 million men, women, and children. This is a staggering number, but I've always believed in the power of one person to make a difference in the world -- one act, one drop, one decision at a time. ONE was the title and theme of dōTERRA's Global Convention last September, and we celebrated the belief that we as individuals can change our world by simply choosing to be a part of this movement. We in the crowd were introduced to Tim Ballard, the founder and CEO of O.U.R. and our newest partner with our Healing Hands Foundation. He gave us a taste of what it looks like to go into dark places like brothels to rescue children who are trapped in sex trafficking.
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Since 2013, O.U.R. has rescued and provided rehabilitation for hundreds of victims, including many children and minors around the world in various countries. Check out what they've been doing in the past year via stings and operations in the following video:
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The issue has grown increasingly out of control, and in order to inform more people regarding the peril these forgotten people experience, the month of January has been designated as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. O.U.R. has been working hard to alert as many as possible to the hellish problem and get them involved in the fight against sexual exploitation and slavery. Recently the organization promoted a way for each person who is interested to become a volunteer. If you'd like to check it out, here is the form you can fill out to get involved.
dōTERRA is partnering with O.U.R. by bringing the precious Hope essential oil blend to us as consumers as well as to victims of trafficking. dōTERRA has donated 10,000 bottles of this uplifting blend to O.U.R. in order to get them in the hands of victims and the rescued as they recover. If the victim is in trouble, he or she can lift the label to reveal the contact information for O.U.R. that can lead to rescue. Isn't that amazing?
Hope essential oil blend contains Fractionated Coconut oil, Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, and Frankincense essential oils, as well as vanilla extract. When you order a bottle of Hope blend for yourself, 100% of your $20 donation will also go to help Healing Hands and O.U.R. to rescue more victims. We truly are making a difference in the lives of slaves -- one drop at a time!
If you'd like to add O.U.R. to your prayer list, please consider praying specifically for the following aspects of this organization:
Special thanks to Robyn Langdon, Clearly Essential Administrative Assistant, for her writing and research contributions to this post.