MGM Resorts International has further strengthened its global commitment to anti-human trafficking efforts, with it’s Northfield, Ohio, property to donate $10,000 to a local task force.
MGM Northfield Park is to donate the sum this week to the Summit County Sheriff Division of Human Trafficking and Prostitution, a task force lead by Captain Scott Cottle.
The donation will provide access to healthcare and counselling to victims through the Summit County Coalition Against Human Trafficking, as well as helping to further equip the Sheriff’s Department with the tools they need to educate and protect the public.
Matt Buckley, MGM Northfield Park’s president and COO, who will present the cheque on Wednesday 19 February, commented: “We recognise the need to combat the issue of human trafficking in our communities. We appreciate the opportunity to support law enforcement in this ongoing effort to assist victims and their families.”
The Summit County Sheriff’s Department in partnership with the Summit County Collaborative Against Human Trafficking provides educational resources to communities regarding the warning signs of human trafficking.
In addition to the $10,000 donation, MGM Northfield Park is to also host training for employees on identifying the signs of potential human trafficking. MGM employees have also committed to a donation drive throughout the month of February to help equip agencies that aid victims of human trafficking and prostitution with the items they need.
Cottle, who will accept the donation for the Summit County Sheriff’s Department, added: “On behalf of the Summit County Sheriff’s Office and Summit County Human Trafficking Coalition, we thank MGM Northfield Park for supporting us in this important effort.”
This latest move follows MGM Resorts signing ECPAT’s Tourism Child-Protection Code of Conduct, a worldwide network of organisations working to end the sexual exploitation of children.
ECPAT supports shelters for survivors and law enforcement training, conducts a wide range of research of human trafficking to inform policy making and advocates for change with governments, business and other societal institutions.
