Big Bail Out throws people in jail for a worthy cause (3 photos)

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie were jailing members of the community for a good cause Friday during its Big Bail Out event Friday. 

The fundraiser, located outside of Community First in the Station Mall parking lot, already had five people - and Dash, Soo Greyhounds mascot - in custody and locked up by 11 a.m. 

“For any of the prisoners that we lock up, our individual goal for each prisoner is that they raise $1,000 in pledges,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie President Marc Sageloly, who was decked out in a bailiff costume for the event. “That will be their bail money, and they can be released at that point.” 

Sageloly stressed the importance of raising funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie.  

“With all of the complications that COVID has caused for not only us, but a lot of the not-for-profit agencies here in town - and the local businesses too - fundraising has been very, very difficult,” he said. “Raising money through a fundraiser like this, it’s also fun. It’s imperative that we’re able to find something that really ignites the community so that we can generate some funds - and all of the money that we raise goes toward programs and services for our kids. Without that money, we can’t do that.”

The not-for-profit has been receiving positive response from the community for the fundraiser, Sageloly said. 

“We’ve actually had people showing up here today to make physical contributions for our prisoners, which is really good. We have a lot of folks that are contributing online - it’s a lot easier,” he said. “But it’s really nice to see some of the locals come out and provide support here and help these prisoners post bail.”

Click here for information to donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sault Ste. Marie.