Advocate with Purpose

Join the fight to end human trafficking

 
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 The impact of your advocacy

When you donate to (or fundraise on behalf of) Dressember Canada, you are part of a strategic anti-trafficking partnership with IJM Canada. We are intentional in ensuring your gifts are applied directly to efforts aiding the fight for freedom to maximize vital support in three impact areas around the world.


PREVENTION

Stopping it before it starts.

We know that trafficking rarely occurs as a lone injustice; it is an intersectional human rights issue preying on individuals with compounding vulnerabilities. With your help, we are preventing trafficking by equipping and training local leaders as well as reforming legal systems in the communities most at risk of trafficking.

INTERVENTION

Reaching those in need.

Intervention means working locally to remove child victims of trafficking from exploitative situations, as well as providing support and exit pathways for trafficked adults. Intervention involves working with local partners and law enforcement to identify victims, bringing children and families to safety, and collecting evidence for a strong case against traffickers.

SURVIVOR EMPOWERMENT

Comprehensive care for survivors.

We know that everyone’s journey is different and each survivor deserves unique, individualized treatment. Dressember Canada provides survivors around the world with holistic support including access to housing, medical treatment, trauma therapy, vocational opportunities, education, and more.

 
 
 

How the Style Challenge Works

Every December, advocates from all over the world pledge to wear a dress or tie for the 31 days of December. We’ve had over 21,000 people join us since 2013. Some plan their outfits ahead of time, others challenge themselves to wear the same dress or tie during the whole month, and others enjoy mixing and matching with things in their closet each morning. That’s the beauty of the challenge: you make it your own.

Rest assured, you do not need to go buy a whole new wardrobe to participate. Part of the fun is using what you have right where you are. Simply create your own campaign page to get started!

 
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 How it started:

In 2009, Dressember CEO/Founder Blythe Hill challenged herself to wear a dress every day of December (hence: Dressember). Every year since then, more people joined in until Blythe’s one-person challenge blossomed into an international movement to fight human trafficking. In 2013, Dressember officially became a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and now, we’ve raised millions to support victims and survivors around the world.

When you fundraise with Dressember, you are a part of strategic local and international impact.

 
 

200K

Supporters since 2013

$18MM

Total raised since since 2013

 
 

19

Countries impacted

26

Historical Partners around the world

 
 

 Join the movement. Together, we can do more.

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 Ready to join the fight?

Dressember welcomes year-round support in the fight against human trafficking. Follow the links below to make a general donation, become a monthly supporter, or participate in our annual campaign. 

 
 

Make a Donation

Dressember welcomes any opportunity to assist our partners in the fight against human trafficking. Follow the link below to make a general donation.

Become an Advocate

Every year during the month of December you have the chance to link arms with fellow advocates to raise money and awareness for the fight against global human trafficking.

 
 

Donate your big day!

Birthdays, anniversaries, even wedding registries are great avenues to create an impact. Donate your special day to the cause and invite your friends and family to contribute in lieu of presents!

Become a year-round supporter

Join a powerful community of advocates and donors furthering the work and impact of the Dressember Foundation through monthly giving.

 
 

 Dressember FAQs

+ HOW DOES DRESSEMBER RAISE MONEY, AND WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO?

Dressember participants help spread awareness about a world issue by committing to the challenge of wearing dresses all month. All month, those who participate spread the word about what they're doing and why, compelling others to contribute to the cause by making a monetary contribution. Dressember partners with other organizations around the world tackling the issue of human trafficking in different ways. Learn more about our impact here.

+ MY JOB REQUIRES THAT I WEAR PANTS.

You can wear pants when you need to—as with a job that requires pants, or when you're working out, cleaning, or sleeping. Wear a dress when you get to choose what to wear.

+ I’D LOVE TO PARTICIPATE, BUT IT’S REALLY COLD IN DECEMBER WHERE I LIVE.

Believe it or not, many people in colder regions like Montreal, NYC, Chicago, Scotland, and even Alaska have participated in Dressember — and loved it. There are some helpful loopholes — like wearing pants under dresses, fleece-lined tights, lots of layers — and most importantly, enthusiasm for the cause, that can help you survive the bitter cold. We also suspect that those of you in colder areas can have the biggest impact in raising awareness and support, since it is such a jarring challenge to undertake! Consider this powerful statement from a participant in Ontario: "A dress everyday for 31 days during a Canadian winter is a minor discomfort compared to that of so many affected by human trafficking. I hope, if nothing else, to raise awareness of this dark reality that is still very present in our world, our country, our city."

+ I HATE DRESSES. IS THERE ANOTHER WAY I CAN HELP?

Yes. You can wear a tie instead! Or, help spread the word in your community and encourage others to join in. You can also make a donation to the campaign or to a specific participant. If you're on the fence about joining, though, might we tempt you by pointing out that some of the most amazing stories and testimonials come from those who decided to participate in spite of hating dresses? We love the notion of doing one thing that scares you every day; maybe Dressember could challenge you in a new and beautiful way.

+ DO SKIRTS COUNT?

You can wear skirts, but only over dresses. Unfortunately, it's not called Skirtember, folks.

 
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