Charity
Hope for the Sold is an abolitionist charity that fights exploitation one word at a time, through writing, speaking, and film. The work of HFTS has been covered by CBC, CTV, WDCX, and various local TV and radio networks across Canada and the U.S.
Founders
Michelle Brock was born in Kenya, and raised in Finland and Ethiopia. As a third culture kid whose parents did a lot of travel, she often struggled with the idea of national identity and still considers the airport her home. This upbringing greatly influenced her decision to study international development and political science in university.
In addition to writing at hopeforthesold.com, Michelle has written for Huffington Post and Relevant Magazine, and has spoken about social justice at conferences, universities & churches in North America.
Jared Brock is the author of A Year of Living Prayerfully, and the happy husband of Michelle. Together they’ve travelled, worked, and volunteered in over 40 countries in the last 7 years of marriage.
Jared has appeared on 100 Huntley Street and The 700 Club, and his writing has been published in Esquire, Huffington Post, Thought Catalog, Relevant Magazine, Catalyst, and Writer’s Digest.
Timeline
2006
Jared and Michelle Brock attend the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Gary Haugen from International Justice Mission speaks about human trafficking, and J&M get to pre-screen a movie called TRADE. This is their first exposure to the issue of modern day slavery. Michelle is left speechless for several days, and all Jared can say is, “we’ll do something.”
2009
After a few years of raising awareness back home in Ontario, Jared and Michelle drive 7,000 miles in 17 days to answer the #1 question everyone seems to be asking: “is sex trafficking happening in Canada?” The result is Enslaved and Exploited, a short documentary about domestic trafficking. To date, E&E has been seen by over 25,000 people, been used to train over 200 border service officers, and been viewed in 300+ high schools.
Early 2010
J&M launch hopeforthesold.com from an internet cafe in the mountains of Costa Rica. Since then, Michelle has written over 300 articles which have been viewed almost half a million times by over 250,000 people in 214 countries and territories.
Late 2010
When a Canadian Court strikes down the prostitution laws, J&M start asking a new question: what is the best way to prevent sexual exploitation from happening in the first place?
2011
J&M spend 18 months fundraising to make a feature length documentary. Limbo contests prove to be a hit.
2012
J&M embark on a journey across 10 countries to interview the world’s experts on sexual exploitation – aftercare workers, heads of any trafficking units, police officers, and survivors themselves.
2013
Along with the wonderful and talented folks at Bottled Media, J&M spend several months piecing together footage to create a feature length documentary entitled Red Light Green Light.
Early 2014
J&M drive 20,000 miles in 10 months to show the film in almost 100 cities across North America, including a Parliamentary screening in Ottawa.
Mid 2014
In July, J+M testify before the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights about national prostitution legislation.
2015
It’s going to be a busy year: renovating the website, launching Hope University, releasing Red Light Green Light on DVD, starting a podcast, speaking at LIVE events, and fundraising for our next documentary!