Police dog and 15 people raise more than $12,295 for Crime Stoppers at Surrey Jail & Bail

Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers raised $12,295, with more money still expected, at its annual Jail & Bail fundraiser at Central City Plaza in Surrey on Friday, Sept. 18. A police service dog, Shelby, and 15 people took part in the mock arrest-and-bail event.

Business and community leaders were theatrically arrested, had fictitious charges read before former Canucks star Darcy Rota, acting as judge, and were placed behind bars until they raised bail from friends and colleagues. Shelby, described as a four-legged detective, was mock-charged with taking “follow the lead” too literally when the lead was invisible to everyone else.

Karen Reid Sidhu, who has been the organization’s executive director since June, said Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers is a registered charity, not the police, and relies solely on fundraising. Donations will support youth programs on internet safety, gang activity and cyberbullying, as well as programs helping seniors recognize and prevent scams and fraud.

Jail & Bail events are also held in Vancouver and Richmond. Details are available at solvecrime.ca.