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Inmates support correctional officer’s ride for cancer research

Between staff and inmate donations, the officer raised over $4,100 for the ride he’ll begin Tuesday

By C1 Staff

BRITISH COLUMBIA, Canada — A correctional officer participating in a bike ride to raise money for pediatric cancer research found support in a surprising place.

Twenty-year veteran correctional officer Joe Crump, of the Prince George Regional Correctional Center, was looking to raise $3,000 during his ride for the Cops for Cancer Tour de North team, according to the Prince George Citizen. He received overwhelming support from his colleagues, but was surprised when inmates helped contribute a little over a thousand.

“It surprised us all. It completely shocked the hell out of me,” he said.

One of the center’s program directors, Alan Teschuk, had told the inmates about Crump’s fundraising and encouraged them to help.

“It’s more about accountability, know what you’ve done, take ownership for what you’ve done,” Teschuk said. “I think sometimes we underestimate how much [the caring] is still in there … how much they’re willing to give and show.”

Crump said what surprised him the most was that inmates, who earn between $1.50 to $9 a day working in the jail, would be willing to donate money for nothing in return.

Crump hopes that the community learns that the jail is more than just a “containment facility;” that the center helps rehabilitate offenders and work their way back into the community in positive ways.

Crump raised over $4,100 for the ride that he’ll begin Tuesday.

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