Unbelievably there are now more slaves today than at any other time in history. 40.3 million people in 167 countries are trapped in what is known as 'modern slavery'.

- Mike Coates

By Mike Coates

Fellow Sandy Bay rugby players,

The Sandy Bay jerseys now have “Mekong Club” on the sleeve and I’d like to explain what this is..

The Mekong club is not a place to drink, eat or party. It is in fact an NGO focused on “modern day slavery”.

Unbelievably there are now more slaves today than at any other time in history.
40.3 million people in 167 countries are trapped in what is known as “modern slavery”.

These people, who make the products we buy and harvest the food we eat, are exploited every day for their labour. Sadly some are exploited for much worse reasons many of whom are young and very young.

Despite the best efforts made by governments, the United Nations and NGOs around the world, only 0.2% of the victims around the world are helped each year.

To help address this problem, the Mekong Club’s mission is to end modern slavery in Asia by collaborating with the private sector and I am proud to say that I now work with the Mekong club to help achieve some of their goals.

So what can you do to help?

1) buy wisely and don’t support those companies and institutions that have publicised “modern slavery” in their supply chains.

2) consider what you invest.

3) follow the Mekong club on Facebook and/or Twitter.

https://www.facebook.com/TheMekongClub/
https://twitter.com/themekongclub?lang=en

4) spread the word.

5) ask me for more details if you want to have a better understanding of the subject or would like to help.

Lastly, I wish you and Sandy Bay a great season.

Regards

Mike Coates, aka “the Judge”

Mike.coates@themekongclub.org

https://themekongclub.org/