GenerateHope, a San Diego-based nonprofit that provides resources and long-term housing for survivors of sex trafficking, is joining forces with the Freedom Challenge ministry to raise funds to support survivors through a 45-mile coastal walk from Oceanside to Coronado over June 12-14.
The inaugural event was inspired by the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage through Spain, which Escondido resident Dawn Hesse completed at the end of 2024.
“It’s really just giving each person an opportunity to spread the word and ask for donations,” said Hesse, a Freedom Challenge ambassador who brought the idea to both organizations. “Part of it’s just making ourselves visible.”
According to Hesse, Freedom Challenge creates physical challenges to raise awareness and money to fight human trafficking globally.
Hesse said she witnessed human trafficking with children in Moldova in the fall of 2018. Upon returning from that trip, Hesse said she found a 2016 university study which estimated that the sex trafficking economy in San Diego totals $810 million.
“It blew my mind,” said Hesse, 62, and launched her mission to inform people that making humans an inventory or commodity is unacceptable.
Entries in the coastal walk may sign up for the three-day trek at a cost of $400, or participate for one day for $100.
On June 12, the three-day participants will walk 19 miles from Oceanside to Solana Beach. The group continues to La Jolla Shores on the second day.
On Sunday, the group will hike with one-day trekkers from Old Town to catch the ferry to Coronado, then continue to Carol’s Cottage, a GenerateHope care center in Coronado.
“The fundraising model from Freedom Challenge is to put yourself into a really difficult, physically challenging situation with the idea that you have to push on and finish and connect that in a lot of ways to the people we’re fighting for where they don’t get choices to quit,” said Hesse.
GenerateHope’s website says the organization serves as the local sponsor and host.
“The Freedom Challenge has built a powerful movement of awareness and advocacy, and we are grateful to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to restoring dignity, hope and opportunity to survivors,” said Lisa Christy, development Director at GenerateHope, in a statement.
According to Hesse each organization is a quarter of the way to respective goals of raising $20,000.
“This is the first time doing this event,” said Hesse. “I’m hoping that it can evolve into an annual event.”
“We hope this will become an annual opportunity to bring our community together around a cause that impacts far more people than many realize,” added Christy. “By showing up, learning more, sharing what you’ve learned, volunteering, donating, or advocating for survivors, each person becomes part of the solution.”
To learn more, visit: https://generatehope.org/walk-for-hope.
