VICTORIA – Fifty-five Superheroes rappelled down a 13-storey downtown office building in Victoria on September 17th, raising $93,384! All funds raised on the island go towards Easter Seals Services on Vancouver Island including Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan and Easter Seals House.

Three veteran Easter Seals campers from Camp Shawnigan – Shayla Madrone, Steve Bertrand and Evan Reid – rappelled as well. Shayla and Steve rappelled in their wheelchairs and Evan went down tandem.

Not to be out-done by other Drop Zones across Canada, Victoria also welcomed many Superheroes for the day who got into the spirit by dressing in their favorite superhero costume including Batman, Robin and Batgirl to name a few.

Special thanks to all of our amazing sponsors: National Founding Sponsor CREIT Management L.P.; National Sponsors  Nutralite and Remote Access Technology; Building Host Sponsor Standard Life Assurance Co.; as well as local sponsors The Zone@91.3, 100.3 the Q!, CHEK NEWS, MBS Video Productions, Peacock Billiards and James Joyce Bistro, Sal Johal Photography, The Strathcona Hotel, Loupe Image Works, Victoria Costumes and All Systems Go.

Contact:
Shannon Bernays
BC Lions Society
Ph. 250.386.0668
Cell. 250.415.2156

Rick Harker and Marlene poise prior to plunging 20 stories in Vancouver. Half way down they exchanged marriage vows.

Vancouver, BC – The British Columbia Lions Society for Children with Disabilities is pleased to announce that the fifth annual Vancouver Easter Seals Drop Zone, held on September 15th, raised over $228,000. The funds brought in by this unique event help the organization provide programs and services to children with disabilities across the province. To date the event has raised over a million dollars in BC.

Over 70 participants from the Lower Mainland took up the Drop Zone challenge and raised a minimum of $1500 in donations. Their reward? Rappelling down the 20-storey AXA Place building at 999 West Hastings.

“Rappelling down a 20 storey building is so ‘over the top scary’, that you have to keep thinking… it’s for the kids, it’s for the kids, and you put your fears aside,” says top fundraiser Karen Dunfee. ” My co-workers Angela and Linda and I do this event as a team and getting donations was fairly easy as Teck (our employer) and all our friends in the office and our families are only too happy to support us. When you tell people what is actually involved, and what you have to do… They practically dare you to go through with it and some have even asked if we need a push at the top.”

The top 3 fundraising Superheroes were:
Karen Dunfee, Teck Resources Limited $5,877.00
Pino Bacinello, Sunbelt Business Brokers Pacific Inc. $4,755.00
Neal Delaney, Pristine Power Inc. $4,565.00

“The overwhelming success of this year’s event would not be possible without the passion and enthusiasm of the rappellers, donors and sponsors,” says Stephen Miller, President of the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities. “Their desire to help make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities and their dedication to giving these children abilities is what made this event a great success.”

“Polaris Realty Canada Ltd. was very pleased to partner with Easter Seals on this year’s extremely successful event at 999 West Hastings. It’s an incredible cause and we look forward to being the Drop Zone building sponsor again in 2010,” says Douglas Hume, Vice President of Polaris Realty Canada Ltd.

The British Columbia Lions Society for Children with Disabilities has been a registered charitable organization since 1952. We are also known as the Easter Seals People. Under both names, our mandate is to support children with disabilities throughout British Columbia. Our programs and services include 3 Easter Seals Houses, 3 Easters Seal Camps and Patient Care Grants.

For further information regarding the BC Lions Society’s Easter Seals programs and services, visit www.lionsbc.ca. To register for the 2010 Drop Zone, visit www.thedropzone.ca or call 604-873-1865.

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.

Photo Credit: Allan Cole Roberts

The Drop Zone in Halifax is streaming live. Check it out by clicking here or on this awesome photo by Allan Cole Roberts from Tuesday’s Drop Zone in Vancouver.

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

Regina, SK - On Tuesday, September 1, in downtown Regina, 55 Superheroes went over the edge of the 21-storey Hill Centre Tower II rooftop in support of a great cause – children with disabilities.

The Easter Seals Drop Zone is a fund raising event that supports Easter Seals Saskatchewan.

Terry Hart, first time quadriplegic superhero, comments on his superhero experience, “I did this for the kids and the Saskatchewan Abilities Council.”

“The event was a huge success thanks to the super heroic support of participants, sponsors, volunteers, the community, and local media,” says Vanora Isaac Drop Zone Planner. “The participants got right into the event from dressing the part to being a superhero for children with disabilities,” adds Isaac.

The top superhero fund raiser was Berny Gross, Welldone Plumbing & Heating, who raised a grand total of $8,400. In second place was Adolf Ozembloski with a total of $5,450. In third place was Ken Anderson, CEO of SaskCentral, with a total of $4,500 and rounding out the top four was Ben Hernando who raised $2,790.

Easter Seals Saskatchewan serves the interests of children with disabilities in our province with the following programs: Camp Easter Seal, Summer Fun, and Adaptive Technology Services. Easter Seals programs are offered and operated by the Saskatchewan Abilities Council.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Vanora Isaac
Easter Seals Drop Zone Planner
Tel: (306) 569-9048 ext 250
Cell: (306) 331-8802
E-mail: visaac@abilitiescouncil.sk.ca
Website: www.thedropzone.ca

Over sixty individuals will transform into Superheroes and embrace the challenge to rappel down the side of the Hill Centre Tower II. Terry Novecosky, 3rd year participant of this event, comments on his reason for going over the edge, “The Drop Zone pushes us. It pushes us to raise money for a great cause; it pushes us to create awareness; it pushes us to help others; then it pushes us over the edge.”

Regina, SK – The 3rd Annual Easter Seals Drop Zone is taking place Tuesday, September 1st at the Hill Centre Tower II. The Drop Zone is a fund raising event that supports Easter Seals Saskatchewan.

Vanora Isaac, Drop Zone Planner, says “The Easter Seals Drop Zone is a great opportunity for individuals to become their favorite Superhero and to get out of their comfort zone by doing the “drop” for Easter Seals kids!” Isaac extends an invitation to the Regina residents to drop by and cheer on the superheroes. “You will be inspired, there will be two quadriplegic individuals rappelling at noon,” she adds.

Jennifer Lozinski, 2009 Regina Easter Seals Ambassador says, “The Easter Seals Drop Zone helps make summer fun for me and my friends at Camp Easter Seal. My favourite activities at camp are swimming, horseback riding and all the shopping outings at Watrous”.

The Drop Zone is an annual fund raising event for Easter Seals Saskatchewan programs. The focus of these programs is to foster independence, self-confidence and create access to recreational opportunities for children with disabilities.

• Camp Easter Seal is the only completely wheelchair accessible camp facility in Saskatchewan and provides a true camping experience for kids with disabilities. It is located at Manitou Lake near Watrous.
• Summer Fun is a specialized day camp program that provides recreational activities within the community for children, youth, and young adults with disabilities.
• Adaptive Technology Services is a program that provides training, support, and specialized equipment for communication.

Easter Seals Saskatchewan serves the interests of children with disabilities in our province. Easter Seals programs are offered and operated by the Saskatchewan Abilities Council.

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For more information contact:
Vanora Isaac
Fund Raising Coordinator – Community Engagements
Saskatchewan Abilities Council
Regina, Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-569-9048 ~Email: visaac@abilitiescouncil.sk.ca

The Drop Zone offers you the opportunity to rappel down an office building in your community – and it’s legal!

Superhero membership is open to anyone regardless of their ability. All you have to do is raise the minimum pledge of $1,500… and master your nerves. Have no fear. Your friendly neighborhood climbing experts will help you with that. They will train you, encourage you and ensure that all safety protocols are strictly adhered to.

Since 2005, more than 1400 Superheroes joined the exclusive Superhero Club for Easter Seals, raising more than $1.9 million dollars for kids with disabilities across Canada!

Help us be part of a formidable group of superheroes to raise $1 million in 2009.

Space is limited so sign up to be a Superhero now! People will look up to you!