Let The Oppressed Go Free

On October 5th, 2023, “Let The Oppressed Go Free”, a massive sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy P. Schmalz, was unveiled during a public ceremony at St. Regis College on the University of Toronto campus, across from Queen’s Park. Inspired by Saint Bakhita and created to raise awareness about the continuing crisis of human trafficking, the event featured speakers from the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking, Canadian Jesuits International, Solicitor General of Ontario Hon. Michael S. Kerzner, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity of Ontario Hon. Charmaine A. Williams and Christopher Bratty from the Rudolph P. Bratty Family Foundation.

The epic sculpture, a full-size replica of the original which is installed in Schio, Italy, home to freed slave Saint Bakhita, remains on the lawns of St. Regis College, to shine the light on the dark world of human trafficking in Canada and throughout the world.

By The Numbers

Human Trafficking

% of victims of human trafficking are women and girls

% of police reported incidences between 2010-2020 were reported in Ontario

% of victims of police reported incidents knew their attackers

On February 22, 2007, the Canadian House of Commons passed a motion condemning the trafficking of women and children across international borders for the purposes of sexual exploitation. The House of Commons proclaimed February 22 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day to help bring awareness to the magnitude of modern-day slavery in Canada and abroad and encourage Canadians to take steps to combat human trafficking. The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking commends those who recognize this day, advocating on behalf of victims and survivors, and taking necessary actions to end this human rights abuse. Join community members across the nation to raise awareness and show support by wearing blue – the colour for human trafficking prevention– each year on February 22 . You can also spread awareness on social media by posting a photo of you wearing blue or sharing resources about combating this cause.

Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline

The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking operates the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, a confidential, multi-lingual service available 24/7.

If you suspect that you or someone you know may be being exploited, if you want access to support, or if you want to learn more, call 1-833-900-1010 or reach out via chat at https://www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/.

about the artist

Timothy P. Schmalz

For more than 25 years, Timothy P. Schmalz has been creating large-scale sculptures. A figurative artist with pieces exhibited worldwide, some of Schmalz’s most reputed pieces are installed in historical churches in Rome and at the Vatican. Schmalz describes his most important work as visual translations of the Bible. Although most of his work is based upon a spiritual theme, he also creates large, complex public sculptures in bronze, some of which include monuments that honour veterans and firefighters. Schmalz strives to create epic artwork that connects with viewers through design and details that not only touch the viewer on an emotional level, but also allow them to feel somewhat a ‘part’ of the piece.

LET THE OPPRESSED GO FREE

Gallery

About the Patron

This sculpture was made possible through the generous donation of The Rudolph P. Bratty Family Foundation, a charitable organization founded by the Canadian businessman and philanthrophist for which it is named. Disheartened by the shocking prevalence of human trafficking and slavery that continues to exist to this day, members of the Foundation felt compelled to support Let the Oppressed Go Free, hoping that by shining a spotlight on this dark corner of humanity, we can put an end to the suffering of its victims.