Thanks to an anonymous donation, the Cranbrook and District Restorative Justice Society has a new lease on life again, but is still fighting for its financial survival.

Earlier this year, the Society lost its core funding when it was denied a grant by the B.C. Gaming Commission, which had provided grants to it the previous two years.

Without the Gaming Commission funding, the program was in danger of folding at the end of August, but at the last moment Sept. 9 an anonymous person donated $3,450 enabling the Society to carry on for the time being.

According to the RCMP, the anonymous donor had an encounter with the criminal justice system in the past, but believes in the value of the Restorative Justice Program and would like to see it continue.

Society chairwoman Maureen Gordon says the donation came just in the nick of time. ?We still need more money to keep going now that we?re not receiving the Gaming Commission funding anymore. If something doesn?t happen soon, we?ll be in dire straights again.?

If the program is forced to cease operations, more first time offenders will be forced to go through the regular criminal court system and this is often not good for them or their victims, says Gordon.

?We?re very effective in the community with first time offenders, especially youth, and we work with them and the victim to repair the harm done by the offender and the victim has a voice in deciding what the repair will be.?

Restorative justice, which is based on aboriginal healing circles and other alternative forms of justice, is often much more effective at coming up with a solution that satisfied both victim and offender and is much more personal and less legalistic than the regular court system, Gordon says.

The Cranbrook Restorative Justice program normally handles around 60 cases a year and strives to provide accountability for offender accountability and victim satisfaction. It also gives the community a say in how crimes are dealt with.

?We provide an alternative service for both the victim and the offender that is more personal and less cut an dry than the regular court process where the judge bangs his gavel and that?s it,? says Gordon.

A volunteer mentor, acceptable to both parties, is used in the process and helps greatly in leading them to a resolution, says Gordon, who became chair of the program about a year ago after being a victim of crime herself.

?I like the positive aspect of the program. When it happened to me it was very frustrating how impersonal it (the regular court system) was.?

The program can always use more volunteers and provides charitable tax receipts to anyone making a donation. ?We are extremely grateful for any donations we receive,? says Gordon.

She says anyone wishing to donate to the program or get involved as a trained volunteer can call her at 417-5820.