Mission’s business leaders, civic politicians, school principals and other local celebrities were put in the Mission Elks jail last week until they raised enough money for their release.
The round up was swift and efficient, said Elks member Roy Archer, and the payoff was close to $6,000.
Those arrested were forced to wear prison garb and spent about a half hour in jail to try to raise money for their bail. Canadian Tire’s Vicki Gould raised the most with $1,200, while Save On Food’s Jim Shaw, who had forgotten to collect pledges earlier, managed to gather $100 with a few quick phone calls, and offered to stay in longer until he contributed more.
“It was short notice for a lot of people,” said Archer, who was pleased with the enthusiasm from participants.
The money collected will primarily go towards scholarships for local students. About $1,000 will benefit the B.C. Elks Children’s Camps, and $200 will go to the national charity.