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Justice
December 11, 2012

Corrections Staff and Inmates Give Back to Community

Staff of the Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women (NLCCW) in Clarenville continue to demonstrate their commitment to helping others as they participate in a number of events leading up to the Christmas season.

“Throughout our correctional facilities, we have staff who recognize the importance of giving back to their community,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice. “This year again we see staff of the Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women demonstrating their compassion and commitment to their neighbours and to the inmates in their care.”

At a time of year when it is important to lend a helping hand, staff members at the Correctional Centre have stepped up and done just that. They volunteered to attend the Christmas kettles for the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign this year, and everyone has reacted very positively. Seeing correctional officers in uniform attending the kettles lets passersby know that those people who work in the correctional centre are actively taking the initiative to make their world a better place. This campaign is an opportunity to help out those less fortunate, and the employees hope to make their participation an annual event.

In preparation for the holiday season, staff and inmates of the NLCCW worked together to make this Christmas special for many people, both near and far. They showed their support for the brave soldiers serving in the Armed Forces by sending over 120 Christmas cards with hand-written messages of encouragement and appreciation to Afghanistan. Those who work at the NLCCW also actively supported a family in the Sponsor a Family for Christmas Program, and they participated in Operation Christmas Child by filling shoe boxes with toys, school supplies and clothing for children in need.

The children of Clarenville also benefited from the combined efforts of the inmates and staff at the NLCCW, when they worked to construct a float for the annual Clarenville Christmas Parade. Their float joined the others in the parade, which took place on December 8 and ramped up anticipation of the holiday season for all those who took part in the festivities. In creating the float, inmates had the opportunity to try their hand at creating something of value, and they have shown an increased interest in woodworking as a result.

In addition to working with wood, people at the NLCCW have also been busy working with wool. With the supervision of staff, inmates were encouraged to knit several teddy bears as part of the Teddies for Tragedies international awareness program. Through this notable program, which is supervised by Sister Alicia of the Pastoral Care Committee, knit teddy bears are provided to children who have experienced tragedies such as natural disasters, hunger and relevant traumas.

“These are just a few of the wonderful initiatives in which the staff members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women have participated,” said Minister King. “I commend them for these valuable contributions this holiday season and throughout the year.”

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Media contact:
Tansy Mundon
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2012 12 11                            3:50 p.m.

 
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