Arviat (Dec 22/04) - Arviat's RCMP detachment was busier than usual Dec. 1 as residents repeatedly called in to have their friends sent to jail.

Fortunately, it was all for charity as the detachment received more than 100 calls and raised more than $2,200 during its second annual Jail 'n' Bail event.

From 9-5 p.m. residents could call the cops to the house or workplace of a person of their choosing.

A pledge of $5 would see that person locked up for 15 minutes, $10 was for a half hour and $20 gave you a full hour.

The money raised pays for Christmas food baskets delivered by the RCMP to Arviat's families in need.

But the prisoner had the option of having the fictitious charges dropped by matching the pledge.

Many people came along just for fun, said Cpl. Greg Sutherland.

"Some people were disappointed that they didn't get to go to the real jail," said Sutherland.

Last year, the actual jail cell was too crowded. Because of the high demand, a larger fake cell was set up at the community hall.

Many people participated in the event this year.

"At around 4 p.m. we still had a huge list of people to go arrest," Sutherland said.

Last year, $1,400 was raised.

Sutherland said many people volunteered to help out while others donated the use of their vehicles.