By Paityn Wyatt
With a goal of raising $1,000 Aurora FCCLA members are participating in Dressember.. The chapter attended the fall conference on Oct. 17 and got many creative ideas including the Dressember fundraiser.
Dressember is a non-profit organization that started in 2005. People began hearing about human trafficking and the long-term effects it has on women and children. In 2009 a woman named Blythe Hill challenged herself by wearing a dress every day of December. Dressember has blossomed over the years and has a goal of raising over $18 million.
Aurora FCCLA has a goal to raise around $1,000 to give to adults and children in need. When enough people come together to use their voices to advocate for change, a change will happen. Dressember is more than an awareness campaign, it's a social movement for a belief that all people deserve to be free.
“It feels great knowing that people around the world will be positively impacted by this fundraiser. I know that this money is going to help millions of people that are in need of a blessing,” senior Naela Merrihew said.
Dressember works to fight human trafficking with participants dressing up every day of December to raise questions about why they are dressed up. In response to these questions they answer with a short summary of what Dressember is and how it helps many women and children around the world.
The money raised for these families goes straight to the people affected by human trafficking. Communities can donate as much as they feel needed. Every situation of human trafficking is different, and everyone has their own unique story.
“It's a great opportunity for Aurora FCCLA to get involved with the community and to help individuals out,” Naela said.
Vice President of Community Service Micole Yockey created posters to hang up around school and around town. Vice President of Membership, Paityn Wyatt and Vice President of Public Relations, Naela Merrihew hung posters up in churches and businesses along Highway 34.