Whitelion is giving Australian’s the chance to make a real difference to the lives of young people at risk by inviting them to get involved with its inaugural Bail Out Week.
Following the success of Whitelion’s previous yearly Bail Out fundraisers, the activities have this year been extended to encompass an entire week, which will run from Monday 24 through to Friday 28 May. As part of the special week, people from all walks of life will be encouraged to come together and raise money by literally locking people up!
Whitelion is non-profit organisation that supports youth at risk. The organisation works to build meaningful relationships and create opportunities for young people who have become disconnected from our community.
Whitelion CEO Mark Watt said: ‘This is an incredibly important week for us. We’re hoping to raise $250,000 to help young people who have suffered abuse, neglect, drug addiction, poverty and those who have been involved with the youth justice and welfare systems. The more money we raise, the more Whitelion’s invaluable work can help to reconnect kids with society and reach their full potential.’
Bail Out
There are lots of ways to get involved with Bail Out Week. Confess your crime, lock yourself up online and encourage colleagues, friends and family to donate in order to help ‘bail you out’. Schools and offices can lock up their principal or boss with students or staff donating money to either keep them locked up or set them free. Corporate teams have already come forward from the likes of NAB, Bovis Lend Lease and Australian Taxation Office.
If your individual or team fundraising efforts amount to over $150 you will receive an invitation to the exclusive Bail Out Parole Party on Friday 28 May at 7pm at Old Melbourne Gaol. If you’re willing, you can even volunteer to be locked up at the Gaol on the night. You will have one cell, one mobile phone and a $1,000 monetary target to reach in order to secure your release. At the Parole Party, felons will enjoy an eclectic array of live performances, great acts and guest appearances.
Youth Justice Forum
‘Lock me up or bail me out?’ is the topic for discussion at the inaugural Youth Justice Forum, which will kick-start the week on Monday 24 May. Experts will debate the issues associated with ‘locking up’ at risk youth versus rehabilitation and integration back into society. Keynote speaker Daryl Gardener will be joined by a panel consisting of Magistrate Brian Barrow, criminologist and ex-offender Arthur Bolkas, Child Safety Commissioner Bernie Geary and Robyn Miller of the Department of Human Services.
The free event is open to the general public and will bring together those involved with the youth justice system, supporters and friends of Whitelion from the business and broader community. The forum will be held at NAB, Level 34, 500 Bourke Street in Melbourne and will start at 5.30pm.
Schools Bail Out
The Whitelion Schools Bail Out will take place on Tuesday 25 May at Old Melbourne Gaol. The event, which is an initiative between Whitelion, National Trust, Metlink, Nandos and Keysborough College, will see secondary school students explore the issue of youth violence and the increasing trend amongst young people carrying knives, via a theatrical courtroom drama experience.
