Edmonton, AB – On September 8th 63 Superheroes saved the day, all for a great cause at the Easter Seals Drop Zone event, raising over $79,000 for people with disabilities and special needs.

The event took place at the Sutton Place Hotel for the fourth year in Edmonton. “We are proud to be a part of this wonderful event for Easter Seals Alberta,” said Richard Wong, General Manager of The Sutton Place Hotel. Wong added, “Rapelling down 27 stories takes a lot of courage, and I know because I have done it as well.”

Presented by the Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust (CREIT), National Founding Sponsor, Nutrilite, National Ascending Sponsor, and WorsleyParsons, Gold Sponsor, the Easter Seals Drop Zone is one of the most talked about and memorable fundraisers in cities across Canada.

Events Manager Darla Zuk has seen Superhero costumes from Superman to Batman and even Mr. Incredible. “It is fun to see people dress-up for this event, but even for those who come as themselves this event is a thrill and everyone who participates are all superheroes for children and adults with disabilities and special needs,” said Darla Zuk.

Participation in this adventure of a lifetime required all rapellers to generate at least $1,500 in pledges, while challenging their comfort zone for a great cause. All participants underwent specialized training in the week preceding the event at Vertically Inclined. Pledges collected by Drop Zone participants will go to fund services and programs for people with disabilities and special needs at Easter Seals Alberta.

Easter Seals Alberta funds disability solutions through financial assistance, recreational programs, residential services, and equipment provision. Easter Seals provides children and adults and their families necessary mobility equipment, adaptive equipment for their home or vehicle, and communication devices for children without a voice. Funds raised will also support Easter Seals Camp Horizon where almost 2,000 campers with disabilities and special needs have a life-changing camp experience in a safe environment each year, as well as Easter Seals McQueen Residence which is a 24 hour group home for nine adults with physical disabilities.

To learn more about this event and for announcements about Easter Seals Drop Zone in 2010, please visit www.thedropzone.ca.

Saskatoon, SK – On Thursday, September 4, in downtown Saskatoon, 46 Superheroes went over the edge of the 22-storey Carlton Tower rooftop in support of Saskatchewan kids with disabilities.

The Easter Seals Drop Zone is a fund raising event for Easter Seals Saskatchewan programs: Camp Easter Seal, Summer Fun, and Adaptive Technology Services. The funds raised help to purchase new equipment and build new facilities at Camp Easter Seal; it also helps to expand programming options for Summer Fun and to assist more families with our Adaptive Technology Services.

Elaine Bleie, top fund raiser for the third year in a row, has raised more than $28,000 for kids with disabilities in Saskatchewan, “I believe in helping these kids. That’s my drive. It’s for them.”

“It’s pretty great when you can help kids and cross something off your ‘Bucket List’ at the same time,” says first year participant, Carrie-Ann Hagel.

“The event was a success thanks to the super heroic support of participants, sponsors, and local media,” says Wylma Pilling, Drop Zone Planner. “The sense of accomplishment and exhilaration was obvious on the faces of the participants once they touched the ground after their rappel,” adds Pilling.

The top superhero fund raiser was Elaine Bleie who raised a grand total of $9,335. In second place was Kara Smith with a total of $3,566 and rounding out the top three was Jason Vogt who raised $2,680.

Easter Seals programs are offered and operated by the Saskatchewan Abilities Council.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Wylma Pilling
Easter Seals Drop Zone Planner
Tel: (306) 374-4448 ext 246
Cell: (306) 380-1730
E-mail: wpilling@abilitiescouncil.sk.ca