Students from the Loyalist College post-graduate Public Relations program raised close to $4,000 for the Belleville General Hospital Foundation Oncology Unit. During the two-hour Jail and Bail fundraising event held on March 30th, members of the Belleville Police Force “arrested” high profile community members and College representatives. They were brought to the College campus, charged and held in a mock jail until enough donations were received to meet their bail. Community members placed under arrest included the Mayor of Belleville Neil Ellis, the Mayor of Quinte West John Williams, the President of BGH Foundation Ross McDougall, Belleville Chief of Police Cory McMullan and Orlena Cain from Mix 97.
Seaneen Collins was the Public Relations student who initiated the fundraiser. “Initially we hoped to raise $1,500 but then it was as if the event took on a life of its own, gaining momentum as it went along. This was made possible through the collaborative efforts of so many. The Belleville Police Service donated time and resources by making the arrests and bringing those charged to the Loyalist jail. Students from the College Paralegal program generously offered their expertise in roles as Crown, Justice of the Peace and Duty Counsel. Those who agreed to be arrested, those who helped to bail them out, and the efforts of so many others made it a wonderful event. The donations are still coming in and the total will be close to $4,000. This fundraiser had a very special personal meaning for me. My daughter, who is now in remission and doing well, was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and received her care through the Oncology Unit at Quinte Health Care. It means a great deal to be able to give something back.”
“Partnerships with our communities are a very important part of Loyalist’s mandate. They provide wonderful learning opportunities for students in service of our communities,” said College President Maureen Piercy. “Congratulations to our Public Relations students for their outstanding effort in organizing the Jail and Bail. Appreciation also goes to our College and community leaders who spent a few hours behind bars for a good cause, and to the generous community supporters who donated to Quinte Health Care’s Oncology Unit.”
Media Contact: Marilyn Warren, Communications, Loyalist College (613) 969-1913, ext. 2332; e-mail: mwarren@loyalistc.on.ca