CORAS’s local markets are a crucial part of how we help sex workers and trafficking survivors feel comfortable transitioning into safer, more stable environments. These markets provide a nonjudgmental, supportive space where our clients can sell their goods, gain new skills, and build connections with their local community. For many, it’s the first step in learning how to adjust to industries outside of sex work without fear or isolation. By participating, clients are able to interact with others and expand their professional networks in a way that’s safe, empowering, and supportive. Re-integrating safely into communities has been proven time and time again to be a dramatic change for the better for both the individual and the community. Sex work, unfortunately, can be an isolating industry. The stigma and discrimination faced by sex workers/survivors often make it difficult for them to build relationships outside of their work, leaving them vulnerable to predators who exploit their isolation. Predators prey on this vulnerability, knowing that workers/survivors often face significant barriers and even violence, with reintegrating into mainstream society. This isolation increases the risk of violence and exploitation workers/survivors face. Tragically, sex workers face a heightened risk of mortality—statistics show that the death rate among sex workers is alarmingly high, with many incidents going unnoticed and unaddressed by society. Sex workers/survivors face significant legal barriers due to the stigma surronding the industry. That’s why CORAS is dedicated to offering safe spaces like our community markets, where vendors are not only able to make a living but are also able to build the confidence they need to reintegrate into other industries. We’re creating opportunities for our clients to safely enter mainstream society in a judgement-free location (supported by CORA's and all our supporters!), knowing they are not alone. At CORA's, we are all about sex workers/survivors autonomy when it feels the world is speaking of, around, and for them instead of WITH them, so we encourage and include vendors from all backgrounds to work alongside our clients. This way, our clients are also offered anonymity, keeping them safe to disclose their status- if they even want to- at their own time, and at their own choosing. 'Outting' a worker can be fatal, so even just signing up as a vendor, as a non worker/survivor, plays a crucual role in allowing our clients to be able to keep their status private. By attending our markets and purchasing, you are helping provide that opportunity for healing, connection, and empowerment. We also provide a small walk-in basic needs cupboard for sex workers/survivors seeking essential support, such as safer sex supplies (e.g., condoms and family planning items), crisis counseling, basic technology skills classes, and referrals to health services. We can’t do this without your support! Please attend our markets to show your support and (if you can) we are in need of donations—cash, food, women's clothing, cat food/items, and especially children's items as we support a lot of mothers in the community, who face barriers accessing traditional supports. We invite businesses, organizations, and community leaders to partner with CORAS in our mission to create safer, more inclusive spaces for sex workers and trafficking survivors. By aligning with us, you can directly impact the lives of individuals working to provide a better life for themselves and their families, as well as reintegrate into society and build sustainable futures. You have the power to help reduce stigma, violence, and the risks that these individuals face every day. If you’re in Ottawa, ON, please share this post and if you can, attend our markets. Your involvement is crucial in helping make our community a safer, more inclusive place for all. If you’re interested in donating or volunteering, DM us or visit our website for more details. We have a fundraiser coming up on the 13th, right after the market concludes, on our events page as well! Together, we can make a real difference. 🙌