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Tony, Damien, Aaron and Becky from COOK are taking part in the Mukthi Bike Challenge (MBC) an innovative initiative by Oasis India that raises awareness about human trafficking.

This year the event will take place on 8th November to the 15th, taking 8 days of riding from Bangalore along the major identified route and transit areas of human trafficking and arriving in Mumbai on day 8.

Damien Payne (Hospitality chef),

Aaron Lyons (Head of Support, Digital and Technology)

Becky Lyons, (Retail Operations Coordinator)

Tony Mayer (Procurement Director),

Why are we putting ourselves through this? for the following reasons

Raise awareness about critical issues like human trafficking, abuse, addiction, and education.

Support local groups in campaigning for stronger, inclusive communities.

Provide information on support services for communities and individuals.

Raise funds to facilitate awareness-raising work.

Impact:

• Covered 300+ villages and several cities

• Organized 10+ major events each ride

• Extensive media coverage along the route, reaching a massive audience and amplifying our message

About Oasis India:

Oasis India, established in 1994, works to prevent human trafficking and other forms of violence against women and children and assist each person to flourish in the context of their community. Oasis India operates in hotspots of trafficking activity, including Mumbai's Kamathipura and Grant Road, and rural areas in Manipur, Assam, and Meghalaya, Chennai and Banaglore. Oasis' holistic interventions focus on prevention, including: Education, Skill Development, Social Enterprise, Rehabilitation, Sports, Community Development, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation and Emergency Response

These interventions protect, equip, and empower victims and those at risk in red light areas and vulnerable communities

Jeena’s Story At just 13, Jeena was rescued from a life of exploitation and domestic servitude. Through the unwavering support of Oasis India, her life took a transformative turn. She gained the confidence to rebuild her life and discovered the strength to stand tall as an independent woman. Breaking free from the shackles of exploitation, Jeena embraced a life of dignity through honest work. Today, she works as a cleaner at a private hospital in Mumbai, earning ₹11,000 per month. This job not only provides her with financial stability but also symbolizes her remarkable journey of resilience and empowerment. Jeena is now a beacon of hope in her community, inspiring others with her story of courage and transformation.

Another story - Her aunty took her to a brothel in Grant Road and sold her to a pimp. She was just 12 years old. The pimp, understanding that she was underage, let her stay in the brothel for 2-3 years. Once she was 16, she was forced to take her first customer. At 18, Farah fell in love with and married a customer. Soon, she became pregnant and went to live with her sister-in-law, who took good care of her. However, Farah’s idyllic life was disrupted when her sister-in-law revealed a shocking plan devised by her brother to kill Farah and their daughter. Knowing that there is no family to save her, she fled with her daughter to Kamathipura in Mumbai. She knew her daughter was in danger as long as she lived in such a high-risk area. So she brought her 11-year-old daughter to one of the Oasis night shelter for girls. When Farah became very sick, they ensured her access to healthcare. After a long period of counselling, she joined the vocational tailoring course, left the RLA and is now working at a hotel.

All funds raised through MBC will directly support the grassroots work of Oasis India, focusing on:

Ending Human Trafficking: Empowering vulnerable communities and supporting initiatives that combat trafficking.

Rehabilitating Victims: Providing comprehensive care, counseling, and skills training to survivors of human trafficking

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