BPCF challenges community to give big

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Published on Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Archive photos

In 2016, BPCF held a Jail ‘n Bail event in the Liquor Mart parking lot. This year, it will be at the Neepawa Legion Hall.

Pictured: “Judge” Ivan Traill prevented a jailbreak attempt by Jean Forsman.

By Kira Paterson

Neepawa Banner & Press

On Saturday, Nov. 17, the Beautiful Plains Community Foundation (BPCF) is holding their fourth annual 24 Hour Giving Challenge to help raise money for projects in the community.

BPCF partners with the Winnipeg Foundation every year for the Giving Challenge to get even more bang for their buck. For every five dollars raised, the Winnipeg Foundation will donate an extra dollar up to a total of $10,000. This year, they are also partnering with the Province of Manitoba, who will also match donations at a 1:5 ratio.

There are a few different ways to get involved in the fundraising. BPCF is holding a Jail ‘n Bail luncheon on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Legion Hall from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. During this event, people can volunteer to get “arrested” and try to raise their bail to get out of jail. Others can also snitch on a friend who committed a “crime”, like drinking the last of the coffee, or never bringing snacks to work. The “criminal” will then be arrested and will have to raise bail be released. All the bail money raised will be included in donations to the 24 Hour Giving Challenge.

Brent Hunter spent some time behind bars for the Foundation.

On the day of the Giving Challenge, the BPCF office will be open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm for people to drop in and make donations directly to the challenge. People can also give from the comfort of their own home by going to endowmanitoba.ca and choosing BPCF from the list of foundations.

While BPCF appreciates contributions at any time of year, they especially encourage donations during the 24 Hour Giving Challenge, because the partnerships allow for donors’ money to be stretched even farther. Last year alone, over $45,000 was raised by the community, which was increased to over $50,000 by the partnership with the Winnipeg Foundation. This year, the potential is even greater because of the additional partnership with the Province, making those 24 hours really the best time to give.