An 'arresting' experience

Photo: Darren Handschuh

Vernon's mayor found himself in legal trouble Thursday and was promptly locked up – in the name of charity.

Akbal Mund was "jailed" for failure to remain seated on a school bus and ordered to raise $2,000 for the Cops for Kids fundraiser.

A cell was set up at Vernon's Boston Pizza, where a parade of "bad guys" were locked away until they raised enough money to regain their freedom.

Politicians, business leaders and others found themselves escorted to the cell by police in red serge dress uniforms.

Courtney King, event co-ordinator, said all money raised will go to helping children with medical, physical or traumatic needs.

“We help fund specific needs,” said King, adding the money can be used for wheelchairs, travel costs or other expenses families of sick children may incur.

People can fill out a grant application at copsforkids.org.

Last year, the arrest campaign raised $15,000.

The signature fundraising event is the Cops for Kids Ride, which takes place across Southeast B.C. every September, when cyclists pedal more than 1,000 kilometres over 10 days.

Since its inception in 2001, Cops for Kids has raised more than $2.7 million.