A new initiative at rest stops along Ontario highways is utilizing personal care items and QR codes to raise awareness about human trafficking and assist potential victims in recognizing signs of danger. Known as Timea’s Market, the campaign is spearheaded by Timea Nagy, a survivor and advocate of human trafficking.
Nagy shared her experience, stating that when she was trafficked, she was unaware of the situation as it was not labeled as human trafficking back then. The campaign features products like shampoo, body wash, and soap named after survivors, such as Michelle’s Deodorant and Ashley’s Lotion, available at select ONroute locations on highways 400 and 401. Each product displays a QR code that, when scanned, provides access to survivor stories and information on warning indicators.
Additionally, the campaign website offers a self-assessment with five questions to prompt individuals to consider if they are in a trafficking scenario. Nagy emphasized that many victims remain oblivious to their trafficking status due to misconceptions perpetuated by media portrayals. She recounted her own trafficking experience of being lured to Canada under false pretenses and forced into labor at strip clubs.
Contrary to common belief associating human trafficking with major urban centers like Toronto, statistics reveal that it is prevalent in smaller cities like Guelph. In 2025, Guelph reported the highest rate of police-documented human trafficking cases in Ontario, demonstrating a significant increase in awareness and law enforcement efforts to address the issue. Guelph Police Chief Gordon Cobey attributed the heightened reporting to improved detection methods and enhanced victim support measures.
Cobey underscored the importance of initiatives like Timea’s Market in fostering public dialogue and uncovering more trafficking instances. Law enforcement highlights red flags such as sudden appearance alterations, missing identification, persistent fear, physical abuse signs, and compromised decision-making abilities as potential indicators of trafficking.
Nagy expressed hope that the campaign and self-assessment tool would aid individuals in recognizing and seeking help if they are being trafficked. She emphasized the critical role of early intervention in preventing victims from enduring prolonged suffering and rebuilding their lives for years afterward.