What is Jail-N-Bail?
The Canadian Cancer Society's Jail-N-Bail involves a mock jail set up in a high-traffic public area, such as a shopping centre. Citizens are "arrested" by off-duty police officers or other Society volunteers.
The event begins with someone calling the Canadian Cancer Society requesting the "arrest" of their boss, spouse, a politician, friend or co-worker. An off-duty police officer or volunteer "arrests" the unsuspecting participant.
When participants arrive at the “jail”, their bail is set by a judge. With telephones and telephone books provided by the Society, the jailbirds make pledge calls to friends, relatives and co-workers to earn their bail. Most incarcerations last for 1 to 2 hours. All bail donations are tax deductible contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Jail-N-Bail started as a special event in Rocky Mount, North Carolina in the United States in 1978 and was adopted by the Canadian Cancer Society approximately 10 years later. Over the years, Jail-N-Bail has proven to be an excellent way to raise funds for the fight against cancer.
Last modified on:
10 December 2009
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