On Friday November 12, people are going to be arrested, taken into custody, and put on display behind bars at Hopedale Mall in Oakville. However it’s not because of a criminal act but merely in support of the Crime Stoppers of Halton and the Optimist Club Jail and Bail fundraising event.
Crime Stoppers of Halton is a non-profit organization run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Their goal is to help make our community a safer place by eliminating crime and providing a way to report criminal activity with guaranteed anonymity. If anyone has information about a crime that has occurred or is about to occur, but is concerned about the prospect of retribution, they can call, text or submit a tip online about the crime without providing any personal information. A reward of up to $2,000 is available if a tip leads to property seized, charges laid, or if an arrest is made.
In order to pay out these rewards, Crime Stoppers of Halton relies on the cooperation of the media, the police service and the citizens. They need public involvement and volunteers to raise money so they can continue to provide this service.
“All the money for rewards comes from donations and it’s initiatives such as the Jail & Bail that helps bring in funds,” Cal Millar, Chair of Crime Stoppers of Halton said.
The Optimist Club of Oakville is a volunteer organization with a vision to improve our community for the youngest and most vulnerable citizens. Their purpose is to promote interest in civic affairs, to inspire respect for the law and to aid and encourage the development of youth. They believe that charitable giving will advance the well being of man and his community.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Jailbirds include local politicians and business representatives who will be brought before a judge and convicted of an outrageous pretend charge. Each volunteer will then spend time in a mock jail cell located in the centre court of the mall creating a buzz among the shoppers and creating awareness of both organizations. They must collect bail on behalf of Crime Stoppers of Halton and the Optimist Club before they can be released.
“The management and staff at the mall were extremely enthusiastic about hosting the event,” Millar said. “This might turn out to be one of the best Jail & Bail’s we have had in the history of Halton Crime Stoppers.”
Crime Stoppers of Halton has held previous Jail and Bail events in Oakville, Burlington and Georgetown. Each year has been a success and those involved have lots of fun.
Anyone wishing to volunteer as a jailbird should contact the Crime Stoppers of Halton office at 905-825-4747, ext 5139.
Tags: Halton Crime Stoppers
About the author: Kelly Gorven
Kelly is a freelance writer and recent graduate from the Journalism Print program at Sheridan College. Aside from writing for Oakville.com and Burlington.net, she also sits on the Board of Directors for Halton Crime Stoppers and enjoys volunteering and creating the newsletter for the organization. In her spare time she enjoys reading and watching movies.
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