EDMONTON – The handiwork of Fort Saskatchewan inmates is in high demand this time of year.
That’s because throughout the year, the Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre can be somewhat of a “Santa’s workshop.” Inmates spend hours carving and building toys as part of an appreticeship program, which has been offered at the centre since 1988.
Not only does it give inmates something positive to work towards until their release, but the hundreds of toys they create help local charities like the Edmonton Christmas Bureau.
Cole Gariepy would spend up to six hours a day leading up to Christmas creating toys the organization then uses for silent auctions and different events this time of year.
“Lately it’s been good old Fort Mac, so we’ve got the coal trucks going, last year for some reason combines were a hot seller,” said shop foreman Lee Kinzel of the different toy themes.
Gariepy credits Kinzel for teaching him the craft.
“When I first came here I was pretty nervous, I didn’t know nothing. I caught on pretty quick,” Gariepy said. “It takes a little bit of work but you know it’s worth it.
The inmates build about 700 toys for different charities.
“Feels great, giving back to the community for a change, you know what I mean? I’m in here, might as well do something good out of it.”
With files from Shane Jones, Global News
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