Local man using his beard to stop human sex trafficking
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TRI-CITIES, Wash. -- It is tragic trend around the world and our area is no different. Each day dozens people are sold into the sex trade. It's an issue that shows no signs of stopping, but in the Tri-Cities, one man is putting looks on the line to bring awareness to the problem.
It's the first thing you notice about Chris Judd.
He says, "Everybody asks me about my beard, so it's a natural talking point. I've had conversations at the gas station, at walmart..
He uses it as a segue to a much bigger conversation..
Chris continues, "Hey, have you heard about whats going on with human trafficking?"
After 9 months of hard work and steady growth, He wants you to put your money where his beard is.
He explains, "$50 says I really dig Chris' beard, keep that glorious thing growing."
With his site, you can donate to save or shave the beard. All the proceeds go to a non-profit organization, project rescue, which helps give shelter and counseling to victims of human sex trafficking.
Chris explains, "It's happening literally everywhere and it's happening in the Tri-Cities."
It took some convincing of his wife, Jana.
She sighs, "It was more like.. I'm not so sure about that."
When she heard he was doing it for a cause she cares so much about, she changed her mind.
Jana continues, "This shouldn't be happening in our world and it's its just something wanna be a part of whatever way we can contribute."
But now, ready for it to come off, she tells KEPR, "Sometimes things get stuck in it.. Like food."
She's pushing for the Shave-it page and has earned $150 more. She hopes the beard could be gone for good and spread awareness that will continue to grow.
Chris says, "If we could encourage other guys and starts something that's a global campaign...grow your beard out and become a human trafficking advocate."
Chris' website is taking donations through the end of this month. You can log on to donate visiting our website and clicking on newslinks.
It's the first thing you notice about Chris Judd.
He says, "Everybody asks me about my beard, so it's a natural talking point. I've had conversations at the gas station, at walmart..
He uses it as a segue to a much bigger conversation..
Chris continues, "Hey, have you heard about whats going on with human trafficking?"
After 9 months of hard work and steady growth, He wants you to put your money where his beard is.
He explains, "$50 says I really dig Chris' beard, keep that glorious thing growing."
With his site, you can donate to save or shave the beard. All the proceeds go to a non-profit organization, project rescue, which helps give shelter and counseling to victims of human sex trafficking.
Chris explains, "It's happening literally everywhere and it's happening in the Tri-Cities."
It took some convincing of his wife, Jana.
She sighs, "It was more like.. I'm not so sure about that."
When she heard he was doing it for a cause she cares so much about, she changed her mind.
Jana continues, "This shouldn't be happening in our world and it's its just something wanna be a part of whatever way we can contribute."
But now, ready for it to come off, she tells KEPR, "Sometimes things get stuck in it.. Like food."
She's pushing for the Shave-it page and has earned $150 more. She hopes the beard could be gone for good and spread awareness that will continue to grow.
Chris says, "If we could encourage other guys and starts something that's a global campaign...grow your beard out and become a human trafficking advocate."
Chris' website is taking donations through the end of this month. You can log on to donate visiting our website and clicking on newslinks.
