The Portage Rotary Club announced at Tuesday’s meeting that the Jail and Bail fundraiser nearly met its $20,000 target by fundraising just over $17,000 with more still pouring in.

The Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC) community facilitator Mary Lynn Moffat made the announcement to her fellow Rotarians.

“I just wanted to take a minute to thank the club and all those that came out to help out for Jail and Bail and those of you that agreed to be arrested. It was a phenomenal day,” said Moffat. “I must admit more money just arrived, but to date we raised $17,437.00 in one day of Jail and Bail and there is more to come.”

The event held on Feb. 23 saw over 30 community members volunteer to be jailed and post bail in order to raise funds for an extension to the biking and walking paths here in Portage la Prairie.

Perhaps one of the most successful fundraisers was Jeff Bereza who was baking cupcakes to give to anyone who donated more than $10 to him. His cupcake scheme helped him to raise over $2,000.

Moffat said there are still funds to come from out of province and from out of country. The PCRC will be extending the deadline by at least two weeks to allow these funds to come in.

“Thanks again everyone for all your help, thanks to the committee you did a fabulous job. We’ll probably do another one of these one of these years,” said Moffat.