Hundreds of convicts are working to prepare more than 200,000 «pilgrim´s backpacks,» red nylon bags, in which youths will find candles and other religious materials for the event next month.
Canadian authorities have allocated $1.7 million to Corcan, a program that enables prisoners to participate in productive activities and learn a manual trade.
«They are individuals who have committed even serious crimes, like murder and rape,» said Corcan spokeswoman Ellen Henderson. «Many have problems with addiction or with controlling anger.»
Hundreds of prisoners asked to prepare the backpacks. In return, they are paid $1 per hour.
