Governor General recognizes renowned entrepreneur helping sexually abused youth
On Tuesday, Governor General Mary Simon recognized dozens of great Canadians with Meritorious Service Decorations for their exceptional work to improve the quality of life communities across the country.
The award is one of the highest distinctions a Canadian civilian can receive.
- Sign up now for our nightly CTV News Ottawa newsletter
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
Among the recipients of the prestigious medal was Glori Meldrum, who was recognized for her years of tireless work to help children who have been sexually abused.
"It’s just about doing the right thing for kids that are sexually abused," said Meldrum. "It is literally an epidemic across the country and the world."
Meldrum, a survivor of sexual abuse herself, is the founder of Little Warriors, a non-profit organization committed to preventing, treating and raising awareness of children who have experienced sexual abuse and trauma.
"There are a lot of struggles and I know what I go through to be functioning in this world and I want it to be easier for other people," she said.
"I’m very blessed that this is my purpose and that I get to work with survivors and see these unbelievable kids."
Meldrum built the Be Brave Ranch in Alberta, the world's first long-term treatment centre for children and teens who live at the centre as part of a year-long program of recovery.
“Right now we don’t get government money, we raise all of the money to treat the kids for free and to fly them from across Canada to the centre," said said.
“We’re just about to double the size of it because COVID really increased the numbers across Canada and we’re building the first treatment centre for people like me, adults, that were sexually abused as kids."
Human trafficking is also on the rise and Ottawa is becoming a 'hot spot,' according to experts.
While child luring and recruitment comes in many forms, police have seen a troubling trend of traffickers making initial contact online.
“Sadly agencies like ours are seeing rising acuity since COVID so we’re trying to provide prevention programs that are free and anyone can take them online,” said Jennifer Martin, CEO of Little Warriors.
"The biggest things that we’re finding is that adults need to have very clear and very frank discussions with children about the threats online."
Meldrum and her team continue to build Little Warriors, a 15-year operation with expanding programming, research and resources for the continued fight against sexual abuse.
"It takes a village to make the world a better place so the one thing I always say to people is everybody can help," she said.
If you need help or believe someone you know is being trafficked, there are resources available, including the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline which is available 24/7 at 1-833-900-1010. There is also an online chat option.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the U.S. Open for her third Grand Slam title
Aryna Sabalenka got past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking U.S. Open women’s final Saturday to win her first championship at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam title of her career.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
Trudeau insists he's staying on as Liberal leader. But what if he changes his mind?
The Liberal caucus is set to meet in Nanaimo, B.C., next week for a retreat ahead of the fall parliamentary sitting. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insists he will lead his party into the next election despite polls citing his unpopularity among Canadians. Here's a look at what would happen if he decided to call it quits.