Staff
While it did not raise as much as last year, the Voyageur Lions Club’s second-annual “Jail or Bail” fundraiser Saturday at Canadian Tire here still raised $4,500 for two good causes.
A total of 15 “convicts” were nabbed and forced to raise “bail,” including Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis, who had raised more than $1,200.
He will be getting his own plaque for being the top fundraiser, as well getting his name on a plaque at the local library.
Club member Diana Lynn Larocque said the $4,500 total was “really down from last year,” when the event raised $9,000.
“I think it was because a lot of people opted out,” she noted. “Quite a few people were sick.
“We had 26 at the very beginning and we went down to 15,” added Larocque.
“That kind of hindered the fundraising.”
On the bright side, the Voyageur Lions had $4,500 more Saturday than they did the day before, she reasoned.
Larocque said the Voyageur Lions will continue to accept “Jail or Bail” donations throughout this week.
“If anyone wants to make any donations, we’re still taking donations,” she noted.
“For those who maybe couldn’t make it and they had to bow out on us, if they still want to get some donations for us, we’d really appreciate it.”
Those who wish to donate can contact club president Bill Michl at 276-1334.
Larocque said “Jail or Bail,” which saw the accused brought before “Judge” Steve Latimer to plead their case before being thrown in a cell for all to see, still turned out to be a fun event.
“We had a great time. Everyone was so supportive,” she enthused.
“And so was Canadian Tire—Rick [Smith] and his wife [Angela], they were awesome,” Larocque said. “He was going like a mad person because he’s getting ready to move soon. . . .
“We gave him a little certificate saying thank you for all his help,” she added.
Funds raised at this year’s “Jail or Bail” will be split between the Fort Frances Special Olympics and the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
Half of it will be used to help local Special Olympian David Ducasse go to Vancouver to compete in five-pin bowling at the Special Olympics Canada 2014 Summer Games (July 8-12).
The other half of the money will go to the Oakville dog guide school to help train a dog guide to help a child with autism.
“Jail or Bail” also featured a penny auction, door prize draw, and a Lions’ membership drive, not to mention a registration sign-up for the annual Lions Foundation of Canada Purina Walk for Dog Guides, which will take place here on Sunday, May 25.
Registration will begin at 11 a.m. at the Sorting Gap Marina, with the actual start time set for 1 p.m.
To get a pledge form, contact Lion Gaby Hanzuk (274-3764).
Those who want to participate also can register online at www.purinawalkfordogguides.com
All the money raised goes toward the dog guide program, which trains dog guides that assist Canadians with a wide range of disabilities.
