Order of Canada recipient tireless advocate for sexually exploited children

WINNIPEG, June 30 /CNW/ - Volunteers and supporters of the national NGO Beyond Borders, were thrilled to learn today that the organization's co-founder, Rosalind Prober, has been appointed to the Order of Canada.

Beyond Borders is Canada's global voice against child sexual exploitation. It is the Canadian national group of ECPAT International, a global network of more than 80 groups in 75 countries.

The organization's other co-founder, Mark Eric Hecht feels very proud of Prober's achievement. "Roz has been a dedicated and passionate advocate for the rights of children for many years and children in Canada and abroad are safer as a result," he says. "Protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation is demanding and often frustrating work. I am pleased Roz is being recognized for her ability to overcome these challenges, achieving success for her cause."

The chair of ECPAT International, Maureen Crombie, offers her congratulations as well. "Rosalind's vigorous activism to protect children and make visible in Canada the issues surrounding children exploited in prostitution, child sexual abuse images, sex tourism and sex trafficking is very worthy of this outstanding recognition."

Prober states that news of the recognition took her by complete surprise and that she feels truly honoured to be receiving it. "I will continue, alongside the Beyond Borders national team, to work to protect children at home and abroad from this terrible crime," she says.

For more information about Beyond Borders and ECPAT visit beyondborders.org and ecpat.net. For more information on the Order of Canada visit http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=72

For further information: Mark Hecht, 1.613.220.6362, [email protected]; Rosalind Prober, 1.204.793.7080, [email protected]