Duane Hicks
After “nabbing” about $9,000 for a good cause last year, the local Voyageur Lions Club will host another “Jail or Bail” event this May—and are looking for “convicts” to participate.
Lion Diana Larocque said the event will take place Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Canadian Tire.
Last year’s “Jail or Bail” was a hit, she added. And in order for it to be a success again, club members already have started to round up “convicts.”
“We have got four right now and we only started on Wednesday night,” Larocque said Friday.
“The earlier we can get them, the faster we can get it all pulled together,” she reasoned.
“It’s easier on the whole club because we’re all involved.”
Larocque explained participants are given a pledge sheet and they need to raise at least $300 to get out of jail.
They will be summoned to appear before a “judge” at Canadian Tire on May 10 (they should be there about five-10 minutes before their “arraignment”).
If a participant has failed to raise that amount, they will be sentenced to sit in a jail cell set up at Canadian Tire until they can raise the balance of their bail.
Businesses that have representation in the event will get “Jail or Bail” signs for their windows.
Then family, friends, and colleagues can help the participant get the $300 in pledges prior to May so they won’t have to spend time behind bars.
This can be done by making phone calls to friends and family, as well as soliciting passers-by.
“It was so much fun last year,” enthused Larocque. “It was such a hoot.”
Funds raised will go to the Special Olympics, with Larocque noting a second charity also may be chosen closer to the date of the event.
The “Jail or Bail” event also will feature a silent auction, a giveaway for a Mother’s Day flower basket, and refreshments.
Lion Gaby Hanzuk will be on hand to promote Special Olympics while the club also will be promoting its own Fort Frances Purina Walk for Dog Guides, which will take place in June.
To sign up for the “Jail or Bail” event, call Larocque at 274-1246.
