St James Park to host landmark event
The British Red Cross’s first ever Devon ‘Jail & Bail’ event takes place next month at St James Park, and the charity is seeking high profile ‘felons’ to help raise £5,000 for its work in the UK and overseas.
Exeter City Football Club’s executive boxes will be converted into temporary jail cells for the Thursday 28th November event, during which ten local luminaries from the worlds of business, sport and the media will be ‘arrested’ and held for the afternoon.
On arrival at the football club, the prisoners will be looked after by Red Cross volunteers, who will ensure they are fed and watered while taking the opportunity to tell them about their vital roles in the community, supporting people in crisis.
Prisoners will only be freed if they can stump up the minimum bail requirement – a donation of £500.
Exeter City vice-chairman Julian Tagg said, “As a community-owned club, we’re delighted to be working in partnership with a most deserving charity like British Red Cross, who undertake so much vital work in local communities throughout the UK and across the world.
“We look forward to locking the prisoners up and, to earn their release, hope that they are able to raise desperately-needed funds for the British Red Cross”.
So far Sir John Cave, the vice lord lieutenant of Devon, Tim Darby, from Exeter Racecourse and Superintendent Sarah Sharpe – of Devon and Cornwall Police, are some of the confirmed participants.
Rowena Cross, community fundraiser for Devon, says: “This event will really help us raise the profile of all the work the British Red Cross undertakes in the Devon area, whilst at the same time highlighting our humanitarian work in crisis situations all over the world.
“As well as our high profile international work following emergencies such as the crisis in Syria, the Red Cross is also very active running projects to help vulnerable people in local communities across Devon, such as our support to people affected by fires and other emergencies, short-term practical and emotional support at home to help people regain their independence, first aid training and much more. The money raised through this event will help this vital work.”
This high-profile event will be great fun and a unique experience not to be missed. If you are interested in taking part call 01392 353274.
What’s included in the Jail & Bail event:
• A comprehensive fundraising pack
• A bespoke online sponsorship page
• Fundraising support from our expert fundraisers
• Refreshments