Glendene Grant of Kamloops last spoke to her daughter Jessie Foster 16 years ago on March 24, 2006. Foster went missing five days later, a victim of human trafficking.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Glendene Grant
March 24, 2022 - 6:00 PM
Glendene Grant of Kamloops last spoke to her daughter Jessie Foster 16 years ago on March 24, 2006. Foster went missing five days later, a victim of human trafficking.
While not a single day goes by without Grant praying for the return of her missing daughter, this time every year is the most emotionally difficult for her.
She has not stopped working to bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking and to ensure her daughter stays alive in the memories of her family and all those who loved her.
READ MORE: Human trafficking: Kamloops mom still waits for her daughter’s return
“This is a hard day but I’m spending it with my kids and grandkids and feeling supported,” Grant said. “Tonight I’m making a big supper. It's a weird day because I realized she has now been missing for half of her life. It made my head spin, it is bad enough but looking at this way makes it worse.”
Grant said all of the kids in the family know Foster’s story and all about who she is, which is important to her. This past year, Foster’s newest nephew was born.
A forensic sketch of Jessie Foster as she may look now.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Diana Trepkov
“Kayne is my youngest daughter’s fourth child,” she said. “He is precious. He will know all about his aunt Jessie as he grows up. The kids love her just as much even though some have not met her in person.”
Grant knows Jessie was the victim of human trafficking and hopes one day they will meet again and she will be able to offer the help she needs to recover.
READ MORE: Kamloops mother of woman lost to human trafficking marks another year without answers
She is an advocate for missing women and helps people understand the workings of human trafficking.
She started an organization called Mothers Against Trafficking Humans and has spoken to students, frontline workers, parents and lawmakers about human trafficking — something she said no one is immune from.
In 2014, Grant also helped get Jessie’s Law passed, making it illegal to purchase or advertise sexual services and illegal to live on the material benefits from sex work in Canada.
“Jessie’s story has touched so many people,” she said. “She has already changed the world for the better. I am grateful for the support of my family and community.”
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