Passenger of the Hanover:
As a Passenger of the Hanover, you have commenced a voyage of making a difference in the lives of fellow community members through your gift of $500 - $1,999.
Want to discuss your donation interests with us? -> paul.dobbs@jhsdurham.on.ca
Benefits
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Tax receipt
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Letter of Acknowledgement
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Name published in annual report
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Receives Donor Newsletter
- Invitation to agency special events
* publication can be excluded if donor wishes to be anonymous
John's Journey on the Hanover
In 1755, John Howard was readying himself for another tour of the European Countries. He had heard there was a great earthquake in Lisbon, Portugal which left thousands of people homeless. When he heard of the tragic news, John Howard decided he would first set out for Lisbon to see what help he could offer to his fellow men and women.
On his journey to Lisbon, the French captured his ship and he was placed in a dungeon with other prisoners of war. It was here that many believe John Howard's interest in prisoner reform began. He describes the prison as a filthy, dark and damp place where he and the other prisoners spent many hours starving. Here, the prisoners spent a whole week sleeping on nothing but a bed of straw. Eventually, John Howard was able to arrange an exchange for himself and his fellow prisoners.
Upon hearing of the incident, John Howard immediately travelled to the facility to address the inmates. Unarmed and dismissing the warnings of the authorities on the danger of the situation, John entered the prison by himself. He not only quelled the angry mass, but even got the prisoners to return to their cells quietly. John promised to take their grievances forward, to be their voice of reason, and to bring about change for a just and humane facility.
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John Howard is often referred to as the father of modern prison reform as his principals and research lead to many of the core methods encouraged and practiced today.
