MoreMAYOR AND COUNCILWOMAN ENDORSE “PROFIT FOR PEACE”
The Profit for Peace Campaign, spearheaded by the nonprofit Program for Torture Victims, will provide funding and resources to victims of torture
L.A. is now the largest port of entry for incoming refugees and asylum-seekers and is home to the highest number of torture survivors in the country
June 25, 2010 - Today, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Councilwoman Jan Perry endorsed a new initiative in the City of Los Angeles to bring awareness and funding to the country’s torture survivors through the non-profit organization, Program for Torture Victims and their “Profit for Peace” campaign. L.A. is now the largest port of entry for incoming refugees and asylum-seekers and is home to the highest number of torture survivors in the country.
“Los Angeles has always opened its arms to those in need, and it is in that spirit that the Program for Torture Victims carries on its noble work,” Mayor Villaraigosa said. “I hope that people around the city will join me in supporting PTV, and in doing so will help heal the victims of torture who now call Los Angeles home.”
Founded in 1980, PTV is the nation’s oldest organization advocating for torture survivors. Through its dedicated staff and volunteers, PTV provides resources -- comprehensive medical, psychological, legal and case management services -- to impoverished immigrant adults and children in Los Angeles whose lives have been shattered by state-sponsored torture. In addition, it conducts ongoing research on treatment methods and provides training to legal and health care
professionals as well as the general public about the effects of torture on the individual and society.
“It's vital to have support, relief and care for people who have been subject to torture,” said Councilmember Jan Perry of the 9th district, where the Program for Torture Victims is located. “The Program for Torture Victims helps survivors turn unimaginable nightmares into successful lives.”
The City Council honored PTV today for its many years of tireless work to help those who have endured state-sponsored torture and commemorated the United Nations’ International Day in Support of Torture Victims by declaring June 26, Victim of Torture Day in the City of Los Angeles.
“We are sadly reminded with too frequent regularity of the fact that torture is still used to subjugate and victimize people all over the world,” said Speaker John A. Pérez. “The Program for Torture Victims does indispensable work in aiding those who have been victims of torture, and I strongly urge the public to patronize those businesses that have generously agreed to donate their proceeds in support of such a worthy cause.”
This campaign marks the 30th anniversary of Program for Torture Victims, whose mission is to alleviate the suffering and health consequences associated with torture. Joining with the City of LA, local businesses and restaurants, the “Profit for Peace” campaign will raise funds by contributing portions of their profits to PTV.
“Abandoned and aggrieved by their own countries, the thousands of men and women who have walked through our doors from over 65 different countries have sought a new beginning here in Los Angeles - the city of second chances,” said new executive director Julie Gutman, a former senior advisor to Mayor Villaraigosa and city commissioner. “With the help of the Program for Torture Victims, they have found that new beginning, re-entering society and the workforce and becoming contributing members of our community.”
Participating businesses in “Profits for Peace” to date include Louise’s Trattoria (all locations), Takami Sushi and Robata Restaurant, Good Girl Dinette, Mo Chica, La Maison de Crème, Chichen Itza Restaurant, Thai Corner Food Express, Mercado Oaxaca California Cafe Juice Bar, Pink's Hot Dogs, Bo Balsim’s Hair, Skin and Nail Salon, Handmade by Mariah (clothing and accessories), Studio City Yoga, and Alignment for Life (life coaching and yoga). Patrons must mention PTV or present a coupon, and restaurants and merchants have pledged amounts from 10% to 100% of proceeds. The full list, schedule and a coupon book can be found at
http://www.ptvla.org/news-and-events-30-anniversary.html.
Mayor's Press Contact: Rachel Kruer (213) 458-9101