Despite the challenging times, the sun is out, the roads are clear for cyclists and there's never been a more important time for our community to stay strong, active and connected. So... the TRIBE community are coming together for a (virtual) biking challenge, riding 200 miles (indoors or outdoors) from London to Paris in just three days.

The challenge is part of the Ride for Love campaign taking place throughout June. Our mission: to raise £25,000 for TRIBE Freedom Foundation to fight modern slavery and to support our frontline anti-trafficking projects in 2020.

NB: As part of the campaign, there is also a 100km ride into Paris (6 June) and an official TRIBE x Strava 100km challenge event (10 days to complete). Launching soon.

**To join the challenge team, email laragh@wearetribe.co OR head to our main event page and register for further details here: https://www.facebook.com/events/236840094430375/ **

Why?

Did you know, Slavery affects more than 40 million people worldwide more than at any other time in history and there are an estimated 136,000 people living in modern slavery in the UK. Now, more than ever, the pandemic has been putting more adults and children who are already in, or vulnerable to modern slavery, at even higher risk of exploitation, so your support could not be more important.

TRIBE Freedom Foundation is on a mission to fight modern slavery and end human trafficking. We work by raising awareness of trafficking, supporting survivors and enabling frontline projects to prevent modern slavery. We empower communities to create an impact.

In 2020, we are working on two new key projects, to help prevent modern slavery and provide long term support for survivors:

(1) Preventing Modern Slavery: Commissioned by the UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, "Preventing Modern Slavery: A Call to Action" is a 6-month industry-wide research project looking at the role of the financial sector in the prevention of modern slavery. This research will highlight the important role to be played by all organisations to prevent modern slavery, as well as setting out the steps which can be made to improve best practice and track financial indicators generated by human trafficking.

(2) Support for survivors: TRIBE Hike for Freedom: Fitness and Wellness programme is a structured six-month programme of fitness and outdoor activities helping survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking to improve their wellbeing, regain their independence and freedom through fitness and nature. By working with multiple project partners, we also aim to increase cross-charity collaboration to enhance wider long term support for survivors of modern slavery.

Covid-19:

However, the current crisis is creating serious challenges for all charities and has undoubtedly had a significant impact on TRIBE Freedom Foundation. Over 82% of our income comes from community fundraising and events, all of which have now been cancelled for the foreseeable future.

Now, more than ever, the pandemic is putting more adults and children who are already in, or vulnerable to modern slavery, at even higher risk of exploitation, so your support could not be more important.

Together, we go further and faster to end modern slavery. Let's do this!