Red Sand Project
Filling the Cracks. Raising Awareness. Preventing Exploitation.
What Is the Red Sand Project?
The Red Sand Project is an international awareness initiative created in 2014 by artist Molly Gochman to bring attention to human trafficking and exploitation.
The project invites communities to pour red sand into the cracks of sidewalks and pavement, symbolizing individuals who are often overlooked, underserved, or vulnerable to exploitation.
The red sand serves as a powerful visual reminder that no one should be allowed to fall through the cracks of our communities.
Join Us in Madera!
Each January, Olive Charitable Organization brings the Red Sand Project to Madera County as part of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
We invite community members, local businesses, organizations, and public officials to join us in this symbolic demonstration of awareness, compassion, and community responsibility.
Annual Red Sand Project Gathering
- When: Last Thursday of January
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Where: Courthouse Park, Madera, California
- Cost: Free and open to the public
Together, we will fill the cracks in the sidewalks with red sand, representing individuals who are vulnerable to human trafficking and exploitation.
No registration is required. Simply show up and stand with us as we bring awareness to human trafficking in our community.
Why Do We Fill the Cracks?
Human trafficking often thrives where vulnerability goes unnoticed.
Poverty, homelessness, abuse, isolation, and a lack of support systems can increase an individual’s vulnerability to exploitation.
The cracks in the pavement represent the gaps in our communities where vulnerable individuals can be overlooked.
By filling those cracks with red sand, we make a visible statement:
No one should be forgotten. No one should be overlooked. No one should fall through the cracks.
Awareness Begins With Us
Human trafficking is not limited to distant countries or large cities. It happens in communities throughout California, including the Central Valley.
At Olive Charitable Organization, we believe education and community involvement are essential to prevention.
The Red Sand Project provides an opportunity for people of all ages to come together, learn about human trafficking, and become part of the solution.
We encourage participants to take photographs, share their experiences, and use #RedSandProject on social media to help spread awareness beyond Courthouse Park.
Be Part of the Movement
One afternoon. One community. One powerful message.
Join us on the last Thursday of January at 1:00 PM at Courthouse Park in Madera.
Together, we can help ensure that no one falls through the cracks.
Prevent. Intervene. Empower.
The Red Sand Project was founded by artist Molly Gochman. Learn more about the international movement at redsandproject.org.
