Governor Gianforte Contributes Salary to Help End Human Trafficking

Continues third annual 12 Days of Giving campaign

• December 05 2023

MISSOULA, Mont. – Marking the 6th day of his third annual 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte today contributed a quarter of his annual salary to The LifeGuard Group, a nonprofit committed to ending human trafficking by organizing rescue efforts, hosting trainings, and providing a safe house for survivors.

“Human traffickers are despicable, ruthlessly preying on people and committing heartbreaking crime,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Thanks to the work of The LifeGuard Group, Montanans are better equipped to recognize and respond to prevent human trafficking, and survivors are blessed with the opportunity of a new tomorrow. I am proud to support the LifeGuard team in their important mission.”

Gov. Gianforte donating a portion of his salary to The LifeGuard Group in Missoula

Through its four-pronged approach, respond, rescue, restore, revive, The LifeGuard Group works to save children and others exploited by human trafficking. The nonprofit also offers in-person and online classes and training.

“Nonprofits like The LifeGuard Group that work with victims of human trafficking are a necessity, unfortunately,” said Executive Director Lowell Hochhalter of The LifeGuard Group. “Is it an ugly subject? Yes, but we’ve got to get out there in front of this and educate our kids.”

Through its LIFELINE project, The LifeGuard Group hosts interactive school assemblies to empower students to recognize and help prevent human trafficking.

Schools interested in hosting a LIFELINE assembly may learn more here.

The LifeGuard Group relies on the generosity of Montanans to offer its services at no cost to victims. The nonprofit’s main needs are staffing the Montana Human Trafficking Hotline, which can be done at home from your cell phone, and fully paying off Crooked Tree Ranch, which serves as a restoration home for survivors. Learn more about the hotline, Crooked Tree Ranch, and ways to donate, here.

Running through December 13, the governor’s third annual 12 Days of Giving campaign will highlight the work of a dozen organizations serving Montanans in need.

• On the 1st Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Hope Pregnancy Ministries in Kalispell.

• On the 2nd Day of Giving, the governor launched the third annual food drive among state agencies and encouraged Montanans to give to the Montana Food Bank Network or their local food bank.

• On the 3rd Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to Hi-Line Home Programs in Sidney.

• On the 4th Day of Giving, the governor encouraged Montanans to support Eagle Mount as it empowers Montanans living with disabilities through outdoor and indoor recreational opportunities.

• On the 5th Day of Giving, the governor and first lady donated new, unwrapped toys to the Helena-area Marine Corps Toys for Tots and encouraged Montanans to donate to their local campaign.

• On the 6th Day of Giving, the governor contributed a quarter of his annual governor’s salary to The LifeGuard Group in Missoula.