LOCAL small businesses are coming together to support International Justice Mission with a Christmas market.
All funds raised by stallholders at the market on December 1 will go towards IJM, which works with police, prosecutors, judges and social workers to fight slavery and human trafficking.
Event co-ordinator Shannon O’Dell said the organisation holds a special place in her heart.
“Freedom is a basic right of humanity, and slavery is not a relic of history; it’s a larger reality now than ever before,” she said.
Over 100 small businesses will have stalls set up at the market, offering handmade gifts, jewellery, homewares, plants, woodworking and other Christmas gifts.
“It is so exciting to see so many handmade items by people in our very own community,” she said.
“(We have) some amazing items made by artisans who have been rescued from trafficking and from developing countries around the world.
“It's also cool to see how so many people are beginning to see how they can better live sustainably, whether it be by upcycling, using reusable shopping bags or minimising their waste.”
The first IJM Christmas market was held at Holland Park in 2016, and raised more than $3000.
This year, the IJM Christmas market will be held on December 1 from 8am to 1pm at Redlands College.
For more information, visit facebook.com/ijmchristmasmarket/.
