News Releases

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa, January 26, 2004 - Reaching out and helping others was the spirit of Correctional Service of Canada's national "Giving Back to the Community" campaign held last month.

The planned week-long campaign to highlight examples of how CSC staff and offenders "give back" to communities year-round evolved into an entire month of reaching out and helping people in need in communities across Canada. Many initiatives focused on bringing cheer to children, filling the cupboards of food banks, and helping elderly and less fortunate people in the community. Toys, food, clothing and money raised went directly to people and agencies in local communities in which staff work and live and offenders are serving time.

"When offenders are involved in contributing to Canadian communities, they are taking an important step toward returning to society as responsible citizens," said the Honourable Anne McLellan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

According to the Canadian Association for Food Banks, close to 800,000 different people turn to a food bank for emergency food supplies each month; agencies serviced by food banks serve 2.29 million meals a month.

"We have a deep commitment to serving Canadians through our work. Giving back to the community is an additional opportunity in contributing positively to communities," said Lucie McClung, Commissioner of CSC. "I am proud of staff's involvement in making this happen."

CSC has collected and donated:

• 1,732 gifts and toys to needy children, families and organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs and Children's Aid Societies.

• Approximately 500 clothing items (including winter clothing) to needy families and local community agencies, such as the Salvation Army.

• 3,550 pounds of food items donated to local food banks and soup kitchens.

• An additional $35,000 in donations went to low-income families and agencies in local communities.

More than 2,000 elderly and less fortunate people benefited from community initiatives held during this campaign. Throughout the year, thousands more disadvantaged people are helped by CSC staff and offenders through various initiatives that give back to the community all year round.

For further information or third-party contacts in the community, please contact the following: