Credit: UnLtd
Last Thursday, 80 senior media executives across the industry spent the night in prison to raise awareness and funds to break the cycle of youth incarceration.
Taking part in UnLtd’s Adland Bail Out, the ‘inmates’ were lined-up, shouted at, finger-printed and interrogated, before sleeping on the cold hard floors of their cells.
All ‘inmates’ reached their bail and were released the following morning.
The event raised more than $151,000 for UnLtd’s work campaigning to break the vicious cycle of youth incarceration.
“Last night was incredibly confronting and inspirational at the same time. I am still shaken by the experience, and I can’t imagine how much more this would have affected me if I had kids of my own,” said AANA CEO Josh Faulks.
“I still can’t believe as a society, we think it is ok to lock up kids that are 10 years old. This requires a movement of people saying enough is enough, it is time for change.”
The Top 10 Fundraisers were Greg Kearney, Jason Tonelli, Georgia Brammer, Emma Beaumount, Aaron Boekestein, Dan Brown, Amy Bradshaw, John Harvey-Faurholt, Matt Turl, Franky Ryan and Josh Faulks.
The OMD team also hosted a 24hr meeting walkathon to raise funds, and Denny Handlin auctioned off tattoos on his body for the cause.
Participants heard from many young people with lived experience who bravely shared their stories, as well as many organisations such as MMAD, ACMF and Backtrack, offering better alternatives to prison.
“The evidence is clear, locking up 10 year olds does not work, it doesn’t reduce crime and it’s terrible for the children,” said UnLtd CEO Philippa Moig.
“We work in an industry that specialises in raising awareness and changing behaviour and this is a perfect example of the positive change our industry can create.
“The Raise the Age NSW campaign is working, but there is more work to do, and Adland Bail Out is a big part of creating that change and awareness.”
The event also featured many returning ‘inmates’ taking on the role as Guards.
“I was in inmate in this experience in 2019, and I came back as a Guard this year,” said Nova chief commercial officer, Nicole Bence.
“Having experienced being an inmate, I understand how crucial it is to have a genuine experience and feel what it’s like to have your rights stripped away. Happy to help in any way I can to Raise the Age.”
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