An Abbotsford man is spreading the message about the “Stop Kony” campaign that has drawn 80 million views of a YouTube video about African warlord Joseph Kony.
Alistair Hart, 27, has adorned his work truck with almost 50 “Kony 2012: One Thing We Can Agree On” posters. The vehicle also sports the message “Honk to Stop Kony.”
Hart and his father, Raymond, own the Abbotsford-based All-Spa Repairs. His travels take him around the city, as well as to Chilliwack, Mission, Aldergrove and Langley.
He said other drivers have been paying attention to his message.
“I usually get three or four honks every day,” he said.
Hart said he was moved to do more than just share the video on Facebook or Twitter. He was impressed that Invisible Children – the California-based activist group that made and posted the 30-minute video – could draw so much attention to a cause and get people talking about a crucial issue.
The video calls for the arrest of Kony, who leads the Lord’s Resistance Army militia, for his alleged abduction of thousands of children to be used as child soldiers and sex slaves.
Although the viral campaign has drawn criticism, with some saying it is an inaccurate portrayal and others saying it will have no effect, Hart believes there is no harm in the awareness it has created.
“Kids being victims is the biggest thing,” he said. “Imagine being a kid with a gun in your hand with memories of what’s gone on in your life.”
Hart said even though the campaign is focused on Kony, it might draw attention to others in the world who are equally as heinous and inspire people to become more involved.
He plans to keep the posts on his truck until the end of the year.
