WINNIPEG- On Thursday, August 19th, 2010, 86 brave Drop Zone participants rappelled 17 storeys down the side of the RBC Building at 220 Portage Ave. to support SMD Foundation/Easter Seals™ Manitoba in the 6th annual Easter Seals™ Drop Zone.

All rappellers had to generate a minimum of $1,500 in pledges to participate in this adventure of a lifetime while challenging their daily comfort zone for a great cause!

Over $137,000 was raised for this year’s Drop Zone in Manitoba, which was a 28% increase from last year’s totals! All proceeds raised stay here in Manitoba to support SMD’s programs and services that reach over 40,000 children, youth and adults with disabilities per year.

This year’s Drop Zone hosted the wedding ceremony for first-time rappellers, Claude Labossiere and Miranda Dorno who conquered the 200-foot drop after reciting their vows. Family and friends contributed pledges, rather than gifts to help the couple reach their fundraising goals.

Also, after touching down from her rappel, Sandi Caputo received an unexpected wedding proposal from her boyfriend, Kevin Edwards, who proposed in front of a crowd of supporters.

The day was filled with fun, excitement and proved that Drop Zone is truly an event for people of all abilities. Shane St. Pierre, Carey Hacault and John Wyndels all took the challenge by rappelling down in their wheelchairs, while David McIntyre, a member of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, was the first legally blind participant to rappel down the RBC building.

Since 2004, more than 2,500 “Superheroes” have joined this exclusive club for Easter Seals™, collecting over $3 million dollars across Canada.