Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women Kiss Cancer Goodbye

Staff and inmates of the Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women used ingenuity and creativity to raise approximately $1,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay for Life held in Clarenville on Saturday, June 11. Their theme chosen for the campaign was “KISS cancer goodbye” using the upcoming concert by the rock band KISS as inspiration.

“This was a wonderful opportunity and a great cause to involve the inmates to do something proactive for our society,” said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. “The correctional officers at the Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women are to be commended for taking an idea and recognizing the potential it had to bring a sense of pride to the inmates. I am impressed with the level of cooperation to raise money for such a good cause.”

Some inmates helped design and construct the banners, props and signs for the fundraiser and, in addition, one inmate donated 16 inches of hair to help make wigs for cancer patients. Staff at all correctional centres in the province look for ways to connect and build stronger, more trusting relationships between themselves and inmates. Such initiatives help increase successful rehabilitation and have been shown to have a positive impact on inmates once they are released.

“Cancer is a terrible disease which affects so many people no matter their circumstances,” said Minister Collins. “Both staff and inmates involved in this fundraiser have personally been touched by cancer. By working together to develop this campaign, they are building on important life skills by using team work and creativity which was highly motivational for everyone.”

The Newfoundland and Labrador Correctional Centre for Women plans to continue “KISS cancer goodbye” for next year’s Relay for Life and hope to triple their fundraising contribution.

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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca 

2011 06 20                                                                        9:30 p.m.