Group that works to end human trafficking to host child safety event

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Everyday Heroes Needed, a Shelby Township-based organization that works to stop child trafficking, will be hosting its Family Fun and Safety in One event from 9:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 10 at Stony Creek Metropark’s Eastwood Beach to raise awareness of child safety.

There will be activities such as an obstacle course, cardio drumming, a doughnut-eating contest, self-defense for kids, a bounce house, face painting, prizes and more. Registration will cost $15.

Laurie Bradshaw, an Everyday Heroes Needed event coordinator and teacher, said the organization has been hosting events for the last nine years in conjunction with local law enforcement to raise awareness of how to prevent child trafficking.

“We have also helped to raise funds to rescue and restore children caught in the grips of human trafficking. In fun, high-energy events we work with local first responders to help to educate the public about how to keep children safe. We have recently expanded our events to include many different ways to protect the most vulnerable among us,” she said.

She said that the event will have exciting stations for children.

“They have the opportunity to meet local first responders and businesses who showcase the best of what they do. Children will learn about stop, drop and roll and other fire safety protocol with local firefighters. They will learn important safety procedures with local businesses who specialize in self-defense. There will be face painting, a bounce house and an obstacle course that bring smiles to the faces of our participants every year. We have a big vision to expand this event. It is our goal to connect local first responders and local businesses with the community to focus on ways to keep children safe,” she said.

Patrick Apsey said that Everyday Heroes Needed events are great.

“My kids have a blast and look forward to them,” he said.

Mary Celusnak said she has been volunteering with Laurie Bradshaw and a group of other volunteers for nine years to help end the trafficking of children in Michigan and educate parents on how to keep their kids safe.

“We are expanding our efforts to include other areas of safety for kids and introduce them to those in our community that help keep them safe. We have always had the police at our events to educate, and we are now including other first responders and people looking to unite us. We will have a firefighter, kids self-defense, (a) bike helmet giveaway, face painting, (a) bounce house and much more. We are hoping to bring back the community feeling that was lost during COVID. To remind us that we are here for each other, and we are a community. All of us,” she said.

All the money raised will go to ending human trafficking, helping children who have been trafficked, and education. Everyday Heroes Needed also does a skating event in January and a color 5K run/walk at Stony Creek Metropark in June.

If you suspect human trafficking is occurring, call (888) 373-7888.

For more information, visit runsignup.com/Race/MI/ShelbyTownship/EverydayHeroesFunFair.