The Canadian Cancer Society continues to look for participants and other volunteers for its inaugural Estevan Jail-N-Bail fundraiser on Jan. 26 at the Estevan Shoppers Mall.
As part of the event, local residents will be tossed into a makeshift jail at the Estevan Shoppers Mall. They will need to call people they know for donations so they can make bail.
“We have a bunch of great volunteers out in Estevan, and they’ve been helping me with getting posters out,” said Sophie Pitman, a campaign assistant/event planner with the Canadian Cancer Society’s southern Saskatchewan office.
One person has already agreed to go to jail during the day. Another has stepped forward to volunteer in another capacity. Kathryn Gilliss, who was the event chair for last year’s Relay for Life in Estevan, will be one of the Jail-N-Bail judges. The judges are tasked with presiding over sentencing ceremonies, and determining how much money each jailbird needs to raise. A stint in jail will likely last an hour or two.
They also have a couple of snitches who have suggested individuals they know to be arrested.
“We’re looking for most wanted jailbirds,” said Pitman. “Their bail will be set a little higher, but they will be included in media releases, and it shows they’re involved in the community.”
They would also need judges, bailiffs, prosecuting attorneys, defenders, courtroom attendants, detectives and drivers. The detective will accompany the driver to arrest jailbirds at their workplace. Volunteer shifts can last anywhere from an hour to a full day.
The jailbirds will be allowed to fundraise before the event, and supporters can make online donations.
“If you really want to participate, but time is of the essence, that’s okay,” said Pitman. “You can raise the money before online. Come to the jail, get tried, (pay your bail) and get your pardon.”
The cancer society also offers a house arrest, so they won’t come to an office to pick up a jailbird. Rather, people can get their donations, and the cancer society will arrange a way to pick up the money.
The Jail-N-Bail is taking the place of the Relay for Life in Estevan this year. It’s a fun event, she said, and it has become popular in other communities across the province.
“Everyone is trying to eradicate cancer, and we’re doing it in a fun way,” she said.
