GEORGE NEWS - Friday the 13th turned out to be anything but unlucky for the Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) as George Herald news editor Kristy Kolberg and 15 other daring, animal-loving locals found themselves behind bars in a fundraiser that had the community laughing and donating generously.

Alongside Kolberg, the 'inmates' included Wilna Allpass, Christine Keller, Sean Snyman, Nikki du Toit (Lekker Nikki), Piwe Bomvu, Joan van Wyngaard, Gert Niehaus, Simon Bechus of Algoa FM, Shawn Northey, the GRSPCA's chairperson Andi McDonald, LC Steyn, Chef Jeremy Gibbs, Clive Wray, beauty queen Marelize Earle and Garth van Tonder.

Together they faced the daunting challenge of raising R10 000 each to secure their 'bail' as part of the SPCA's Locked Up for Love campaign.

By the end of the day, the group had not only met their targets but exceeded expectations by raising R229 177, while donations continued to pour in even after the inmates had been released.

All participants were fake-arrested with great fanfare at the locations of their choosing, preferably somewhere in the local eye, before being hauled off to the GRSPCA. 

There, they were locked up in kennels until their bail targets were reached. Fundraising took place on social media, telephone calls and good old-fashioned polite asking.

Etienne Smith and Clive Wray enjoying special privileges in their cell.

The Southern Civil Defence Force played the role of the stern jailers, while the wider community rallied behind the cause to secure the inmates' release. 

Snacks, sleeping bags and plenty of good humour made the hours behind bars surprisingly bearable, especially knowing the funds would directly benefit animals in need.

"It was an interesting morning and we all had great fun. We were well looked after with our snacks and sleeping bags. I also had the most entertaining next-door cellmates [Keller and Allpass] who didn't miss a beat. Being locked up has never felt so rewarding. I'll definitely do it again next year," Kolberg said.

Wilna Allpass and Christine Keller kept each other company during their stay.

Following her release, Kolberg thanked all the supporters in a video, while her arrest and release were also captured by the George Herald online team in two videos that had collectively reached nearly 160 000 views by Monday morning.

"We are over the moon with the results. Congratulations to everyone who joined us. Thank you for your time, energy and commitment. You made a real difference," said George SPCA branch manager Sue Noakes.

WATCH: Kristy Kolberg gets arrested at George Herald

WATCH: After Kristy's release

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