Look Up, Way Up! Surrey Skies Filled with Superheroes for a Great Cause
Surrey, B.C., (Sept 12) — The skies were filled with superheroes today as men and women suited up and rappelled 19 storeys down a Surrey high rise all to raise money for Easter Seals BC/Yukon. Nearly 30 participants stepped outside their comfort zone and rappelled, raising over $19,000 and counting. This year’s total campaign goal is $300,000.
The Central City Office Tower on 102 Avenue in Surrey was once again the host to this year’s Surrey Drop Zone event. The event is the second in a series of five stops that will be held across the province over the next month. Locations include: Vancouver (Sept 7), Burnaby (Sept 14), Victoria (Sept 19), and Kelowna (Sept 26).
“This event is so unique, and it challenges people to step outside of their comfort zone, which many of our clients must do every day,” says Easter Seals spokesperson Mike Leland. “The event also provides vital funding for our programs and services, which help break down barriers and provide individuals with diverse abilities the same opportunities as everyone else. This is critical if we are to create a truly inclusive, accessible and equitable society.”
Held across Canada each year, the event has raised more than $16 million for Seals programs and services, supporting children and adults living with disabilities. The event in its 18th year helps fund vital programs and services for kids and adults with disabilities.
“Our Prospera team is deeply committed to our communities and loves taking part in this exhilarating event, supporting Easter Seals BC/Yukon,” said TJ Schmaltz, Chief People and Legal Officer at Prospera Credit Union, presenting sponsors of Drop Zone Surrey. “Easter Seals Drop Zone is near and dear to us, especially for many of our employees who have loved ones living with disabilities. On September 12, about a dozen of us will step out of our comfort zone and rappel down our high-rise building in support of this very worthy cause.”
Funds raised stay locally to help fund important programming and services for children and adults with diverse abilities. This includes operating three camps across the province; vital educational programs that help transition young adults into adulthood and teach those with diverse abilities the skills to find work in the hospitality industry. Near Vancouver Children’s Hospital, we also run Easter Seals House, a home away from home for anyone travelling to Vancouver for medical reasons.
Easter Seals Drop Zone is made possible with support of our sponsors Prospera Credit Union, Odlum Brown, Surrey Fire Fighters Charitable Society and Central City Shopping Centre.
People wishing to support the cause can go to dropzonebc.ca to donate. All donations stay in the community.
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About Easter Seals BC/Yukon and BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities
Since 1952, Easter Seals BC & Yukon has provided programs and services to persons with diverse abilities that help improve their quality of life. For over six decades, the Society has helped over 1,000,000 families in need through transportation services, child health research, Easter Seals summer camps, Easter Seals House, post-secondary bursaries at seven regional colleges or universities, community access services, and patient care programs. www.eastersealsbcy.ca
Media contact:
Jenny Fines
Easter Seals BC/Yukon
P: 647-289-2444
