In May 2019, in the heart of the Werf area of Fountains Mall, an innovative and engaging event unfolded, the inaugural “Jail and Bail” fundraising initiative.
This unique concept was conceived by the Jbay Trauma Support Centre, with the aim of involving prominent members of the community in fundraising endeavours, by playfully “jailing” them for their involvement in community affairs.
The Jbay Trauma Support Centre is a non-profit organisation offering free professional services to community members in the Kouga-Koukamma district.
Their services include professional therapy by a clinical psychologist or clinical traumatologist, debriefing services for all emergency service personnel and the public, trauma assistance programmes for on-scene debriefing such as home invasions, suicide attempts, accident scenes, and training of all NGO personnel on various topics.
Given the nature of their services, they rely on donations to cover operational costs, including administration, petrol, and office rental.
For that reason creative fundraising is a must; enter the spirited Jail and Bail.
The essence of Jail and Bail lies in its theatrics, closely resembling a bona fide trial. The Jbay Trauma Support Centre team conducts thorough research to draft a formal “charge sheet”, and the jailed are called upon to have their families and friends write letters to the organisers, providing as much information as possible about the accused.
Each participant receives their personalised charge sheet, complete with evidence, which is presented by the prosecution on the day of the event.
A “magistrate” presides over proceedings, accompanied by a lawyer representing the state, while the “bailees” must arrange their own defence. To secure their release, they must raise a bail amount among their friends, with the top fundraiser receiving a prize sponsored by one of the Jail and Bail patrons.
The day of the Jail and Bail also boasts numerous prizes for both the public and participants, adding to the excitement of the event.
To aid in building anticipation for the competition, Oasis FM airs daily voice clips featuring pairs of participants, running alongside the competition listed on the Jbay Trauma Support Centre Facebook page.
The challenge is for followers to match these voice clips with obscured photos of two participants posted weekly on the Facebook page. Correct guesses are pooled every Thursday, where one lucky winner drawn from the hat will win a prize sponsored by Fountains Mall.
Among the notable personalities who have participated thus far are former mayor, Horatio Hendricks, Bryan Dhludhlu, Regard van Rensburg, Pastor Janida, Pastor Mercy Cwayi, Marinda Conradie, Fanie Vermaak, Dean Gilbert, Cornelius Louw, Willie and Marie Oosthuizen, Sonya Hofler and Evelyn Markides, Carla Smith, and Paul van Jaarsveld.
The community wholeheartedly embraces this fundraising initiative, with local businesses lending their support by contributing prizes for the event.
Alongside the festivities there will also be an auction of prizes, promising enjoyment for all attendees. Everyone is invited to join in on the fun on April 6 at 09:30 at Fountains Mall.
