It worked so well the first time, the Restorative Justice Society – North Okanagan is doing it again.
The society is hosting its second annual Creative Justice Gala Friday at the Best Western Plus Vernon Lodge Hotel.
Last year’s inaugural event, which raises funds for the society’s program, attracted about 100 people and raised nearly $4,000.
“Please join our board of directors, staff, volunteers and artisans who be creating an individeual piece of art that will be auctioned off that evening,” said Warren Smith, president of the society’s board.
Artists will include sculptures, painters and more.
“Those artists who are unable to attend have already submitted a piece for the evening,” said Margaret Clark, the society’s executive director.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 p.m. The live auction of the created pieces begins at 9 p.m.
The evening includes the dinner, the auction, music by Henry Piovesan and special guest, as well as a silent auction and door prizes with thousands of dollars of prizes available.
Tickets are $40 and are available at the community policing office at 2900-32nd Avenue.
Restorative justice is a community-based service that provides an alternative approach for dealing with crime and wrong-doing.
“This service is for the victim first and foremost with a focus on the person who caused the harm, the offender,” said Clark.
The person harmed must agreed to participate and the person who caused the harm must admit to the wrong-doing and agrees to participate.
Those directly affected and involved in an incident are prepared to meet face-to-face in a facilitated conference.
“The service is supported by a core group of trained volunteers, teams and our board,” said Clark.
The society was only registered a year ago and rely mainly on fundraising to operate, though funds are received from the provincial and municipal governments. For more information on the gala, call 250-550-7846.
