IJM's Holiday Catalog Features 100+ Gifts to Bring Light to World's Darkest Areas on Giving Tuesday

36 million people held in slavery around the world with close to two million being children

Life-changing gifts for #GivingTuesday range from $25 to $7500 with fighting sex trafficking IJM's top-seller

More than $400,000 raised to combat violence against the poor in 2013

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Dec 01, 2014, 05:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Instead of opening gifts this Christmas, many of the poorest and most vulnerable will open their eyes to another day enslaved, oppressed, and afraid. With close to 2 million children in the commercial sex trade (UNICEF) and nearly 36 million held in slavery around the world (Global Slavery Index), International Justice Mission's 2014 Holiday Gift Catalog allows individuals to shine a light in the darkest places on earth by giving the gift of rescue from violence and oppression.

IJM Holiday Gift Catalog www.ijm.org/giftcatalog

From fully funding a sex trafficking rescue operation to sponsoring a lawyer to defend those who have been abused, this Giving Tuesday, IJM is offering more than 100 gift ideas ranging from $25 to $7500, and providing rescue, safety and care for those in need.

"The 2014 IJM Gift Catalog is a meaningful way to embody the true spirit of giving that comes with the holiday season," says Tina Hudgins, IJM's Director of Fundraising. "Each gift, no matter how large or small, will provide a critical component to ensuring the safety and dignity of the world's poorest—and that is something to celebrate."

"As we begin putting up lights and candles to celebrate the holidays this Christmas season, IJM is challenging revelers to go one step further and consider how we can unite to BE a light to the darkest places in the world," says Mindy Mizell, IJM's Global Public Relations Director. "Giving Tuesday is extremely special as it is one day where the world pauses to consider ways we can give back and the holiday gift catalog has more than 100 options that can begin changing lives in just a matter of seconds through our IJM website."

Some of the most popular gifts in the 2014 IJM Gift Catalog include:

Fight Sex Trafficking: For $30 to $300 IJM will find women and girls being exploited now and get them the safe aftercare they need. This gift helps stop criminals from abusing others and advances IJM's work with local leaders to prevent sex trafficking long-term.

Fight Slavery: IJM works with local law enforcement to find slaves, bring children and families to safety, and collect evidence against slave owners. A gift of $150 covers a share of a slavery rescue operation, while $4,500 funds an entire rescue operation, which can free dozens or hundreds in a single day.

Defend Vulnerable Widows and Orphans: This gift can protect vulnerable families from violence, win back their stolen property, and ensure their continued safety. For $30 to $300, IJM will help widows get back on their feet to provide for their family and make sure orphans are cared for as they grow up.

In 2013, the Gift Catalog raised more than $400,000 thanks to the many who decided to stand up against the violence and oppression that plagues the most vulnerable. To date, IJM has rescued more than 19,000 people from violence and oppression, and currently protects more than 21 million individuals in nearly 20 communities around the world.

With an estimated 4 billion people still living outside the protection of the law, it remains more important than ever to continue to give one of the most meaningful gifts of all—freedom from violence and oppression.

This Christmas, the best gifts can't be wrapped.

View the IJM 2014 Gift Catalog here: www.ijm.org/giftcatalog.

About International Justice Mission
International Justice Mission is a global organization that protects the poor from violence throughout the developing world. IJM partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors, and strengthen justice systems. The largest non-profit organization of its kind, IJM combats slavery, sex trafficking, property grabbing, police abuse of power, and sexual violence, working in 18 communities throughout South and Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. www.ijm.org.

Julie Eckert
[email protected]
(443) 878-5996

Mindy Mizell
[email protected]
(202) 355-3690

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141201/161649

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SOURCE International Justice Mission