$42,200 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Enhances Anti-Human Trafficking Supports for Youth
June 9, 2025
Newmarket, ON – On Thursday, MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy was at the BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship and Advocacy Services’ Evening of Empowerment fundraiser to formally congratulate the group on work it’s done since receiving a $42,200 Seed grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Funds from the grant were used to provide enhanced training to BridgeNorth staff, increasing their capacity to support youth impacted by sex trafficking.
“Human trafficking is a serious and growing threat that targets some of the most vulnerable members of our communities—especially youth,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “Through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, our government is proud to support BridgeNorth’s vital work to protect and empower young people. This $42,200 Seed grant is helping equip frontline staff with the specialized training they need to better respond to the realities of trafficking and ensure survivors receive the compassionate care they need to heal, rebuild their lives, and thrive.”
Sex trafficking can impact anyone, but it disproportionately impacts young individuals, particularly those experiencing poverty, marginalization, and mental health challenges. Thanks to the Ontario government’s grant of $42,200 through OTF, BridgeNorth’s staff are receiving in-depth training on a range of topics to improve their ability to provide specialized support to youth affected by trafficking.
“The impact of this Ontario government grant will benefit the youth we serve for years to come,” said Kaitlyn Ranasinghe, Program Manager, BridgeNorth Women’s Mentorship and Advocacy Services. “Our staff, with extensive knowledge on trafficking and related issues, are eager to gain even more knowledge and skill to better meet the needs of the youth we serve.”
BridgeNorth is a survivor-led agency dedicated to addressing sex trafficking and sexual exploitation in Canada. They provide supportive services to youth in York Region and South Simcoe who have experienced or are vulnerable to sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.