History Asia “Not For Sale And “CNN International” Launch Online Campaign In Southeast Asia

Not for Sale, a San Francisco-based NGO, in partnership with HISTORY^TM Asia and the CNN Freedom Project, today announced the launch of the #BuyOutSlavery campaign. Created to raise awareness about modern slavery through an online social movement across Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia, the campaign will be promoted throughout Southeast Asia’s most popular e-commerce websites. The campaign is inspired by the upcoming HISTORY^TM Asia premiere of programing event, “Roots”, on 31 May, 9pm.

The #BuyOutSlavery campaign aims to shine a light on the plight of enslaved individuals today and expose shoppers across Asia to the reality and prevalence of modern slavery. While shopping on participating sites, consumers will be encouraged to contribute to liberating modern-day slaves by making a donation to Not For Sale and also by sharing their actions online. All funds raised will support Not For Sale in their efforts to provide survivors of slavery and at-risk communities with shelter and stability, education, healthcare and legal services, and economic opportunities.

 According to David Batstone, (Founder and President, Not For Sale), “The impetus for this campaign came from the upcoming premiere on HISTORY^TM Asia of “Roots,” a multifaceted, compelling and emotional story about the triumph of the human spirit, about identity, family, dignity and courage – seen through the lens of slavery-era America. Slavery in those historical terms no longer exists.  However, modern day slavery is very much alive in all corners of the globe.”

Slavery is an ever-growing blight on humanity that must be eradicated. There are over 30 million slaves in the world today, the highest number in the history of mankind. Men, women, and children are sold into this $150 billion industry where they are exploited for sex and labour. Slavery is present in almost every supply chain in every industry today including food, electronics, vehicle and apparel manufacturing. Creating awareness of this atrocious problem is the first step in conquering it.

“We are pleased that through our groundbreaking series, ‘Roots’, we have been able to help create and participate in a campaign that is focused on driving positive change. By reaching out to and enlisting the help of our industry partners and contacts, we are confident that we can assist Not For Sale in creating extensive awareness for this worthy cause.” said Prem Kamath, (Deputy Managing Director, A+E Networks Asia).

“The aim of the CNN Freedom Project is to shine a spotlight on the horrors of modern-day slavery and champion those who have dedicated their lives to ending it. We are delighted to support this campaign to bring greater awareness of this critical issue to millions of people in Asia and around the world,” added Executive Vice President and Managing Director, CNN International, Tony Maddox.

Passion for online shopping is on the rise and plays a key role in the lives of Southeast Asians. By using these e-commerce sites, the campaign educates the audience about the products they are buying and what to look out for. Brands and celebrities are lending their names, people and resources to the cause.

Visit buyoutslavery.com to find out more on how you can make a difference to the lives of these modern slaves. To join the conversation, head over to HISTORY^TM Asia‘s Facebook page (facebook.com/HISTORYasia ) or #BuyOutSlavery.

Based on Alex Haley’s 1976 novel, “Roots” recounts the journey of one family and their will to survive and ultimately carry on their legacy despite hardship. The original series aired in the United States and around the world in 1977 to massive audiences. Developed by HISTORY^TM,the new series boasts a stellar cast of award-winning actors.  The eight-hour event miniseries is distributed internationally by A+E Studios International.

Participating Brands

Basic Alley (basicalley.com), Batik Fractal (batikfractal.com), Billion Bricks (billionbricks.org),  Bloom Room (bloomroom.sg), Brave Chick (bravechick.com), Cred Jewellery (credjewellery.com), Earth Heir (earthheir.com), Flesh Imp (fleshimp.com), Gnome & Bow (gnomenbow.com), Good Cloth (shopgoodcloth.com), Grain (grain.com.sg), Hello Flower (helloflowerssg.com), Holigoli (holigoli.com), Kisetsu (kisetsu.co), Major Drop (majordrop.com), Mash Up Collective (mashupcollective.com), Matter Prints (matterprints.com),  My Sister (mysister.org) Naiise (naiise.com),  Orange Harp (orangeharp.com), Pestle Mortar (pestlemortarclothing.com), San Francisco Coffee (sfcoffee.com), SoapLah (soaplah.com), Soule (soule.com.sg), Superlife (superlife.co), Tailor Swift (tailorswift.sg), The Batik Boutique (thebatikboutique.com), The Cathay (facebook.com/CathayLifestyle), The Finders Label (thefinderslabel.com), The Good Shop (thegoodshop.com), The Handmade Republic Company (handmaderepublic.com),Westgate (westgate.com.sg), With Every Bloom (witheverybloom.com) and more.

Participating Celebrities & Personalities

Aiko Melendez, Gerphil Flores, Ruby Rodriguez, Pia Guanio-Mago, Giselle Sanchez, Ely Buendia, Basti Artadi, Rovilson Fernandez, Marc Nelson, Patrick Garcia, Meryl Soriano, Tim Yap, Laureen Uy, Princess Violago, Francine Prieto, Walter Demesa, Joel Trinidad, Jonathan Yabut, Armi Millare, Rep Sherwin Gatchalian, Jerika Ejercito, Jake Ejercito, Dina Castro, Alicia Tan, Amber Chia, Ang Chen Xiang, Anita Kapoor, AzuraZainal, ChooSoo Wei, Daphne Iking, DavinaGoh, Dennis Lau, Desiree Lai, Diaz Danar, EchaSoemantri, Elvira Devina, FransiscaOdylia, Goh Wee Ping, Hannah Yeoh, Inch Chua, Irene Ang, Jack &Rai, Jamie Dempsey, Jamie Teo, Jamie Yeo, Jemimah Wei, Jeremy Teo, Joey G, JojoStruys, Josh Lai Lee How, Josiah Ng, Julie Woon, Justin Mott, KartiniAriffin, Kelly Latimer, LaureenUy, Low Ngai Yuen, LukmanSardi, May Wan, Megan Tan, Melanie Subono, Melinda Alfred, Melinda Looi, Michelle Sng, Nadia Heng, Nathan Hartono, Pamela Chong, Patricia K, Patricia Knudsen, Paul Foster, Paula Malai Ali, PersisShanker, RadhiniAprilya, Rave Republic, ReemShahwa, RiaIrawan, Rina Omar, Ronal Surapradja, Sandra Riley Tang, Shelia Sim, Simon Yin, Singyuin Christy Yeoh, The Muttons, TiekePriatnakusumah, Timothee Yap, UmapaganAmpikaipakan, UttsadaPanichkul (Utt), Vanessa Chong, Velda Tan, Victoria Cheng, Vonny, WilTay, WulanGuritno, Yuna and more.

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