Media Release

Look Up, Way Up! Vancouver Skies Filled with Superheroes for a Great Cause

Vancouver, B.C., (Sept 7) — The skies were filled with superheroes today as men and women suited up and rappelled 25 storeys down a Vancouver high rise all to raise money for Easter Seals BC/Yukon. Nearly 50 participants stepped outside their comfort zone and rappelled on this day, raising over $45,000 with donations still coming in. This year’s total campaign goal is $300,000.

The Guinness Tower on West Hastings Street in Vancouver was once again the host to this year’s Vancouver Drop Zone Campaign Kick-off. The event is the first in a series of five stops that will be held across the province over the next month. Locations include: Surrey (Sept 12), 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 people living with diverse abilities 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.”

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.

“We are proud to continue our support of Easter Seals BC/Yukon as the Presenting Sponsor of their Vancouver Drop Zone event and a Sponsor of the Surrey and Victoria Drop Zones,” says Debra Doucette, President and CEO of Odlum Brown. “Taking part in the Drop Zone event each year not only enables us to support Easter Seals wonderful initiatives but encourages us to get out of our comfort zones and challenge ourselves – just like the amazing Easter Seals participants do every day.”

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.

Easter Seals Drop Zone is made possible with support of our sponsors Odlum Brown, Downtown Van, McCarthy Tetrault and Oxford Properties.

People wishing to support the cause can go to dropzonebc.ca to donate.

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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