Easter Seals: News and Media

News and Media

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8/15/2007
Facing Fear of Heights to Help Kids with Physical Disabilities

Toronto, ON, August 15, 2007 — How ready are you to overcome physical challenges? On September 17th, Easter Seals’ Drop Zone will offer the chance to challenge a 16-story building by rappelling from the top of 175 Bloor St East, North Tower to the street. Regular everyday people will raise money and take the leap to help Ontario’s children and youth with physical disabilities.

“Drop Zone is open to anyone who wants to test their courage—no special skills are required,” says Easter Seals President and CEO Carol Lloyd. “This is a great way to show your support to the many Easter Seals kids who face physical challenges on a daily basis.”

Overcoming physical challenges is what accessible Easter Seals camps offer kids with physical disabilities. At the Easter Seals Woodeden Camp, just outside of London, camper Noah Romer - who has cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus and a visual impairment - was able to do a treetop high-ropes course.

Noah’s mother, Jenn Romer stood by and watched as her son was suspended high in the air in his wheelchair—completely out of reach. "I was going to help him but we got up so high and I couldn't go on, I was afraid, “ says Romer. “All Noah would say is, ‘I want to do it!’”

To be a “superhero” for Easter Seals kids by rappelling down 175 Bloor St East, participants raise a minimum of $1,500 in donations and are guided by highly trained experts throughout the whole process. Money raised will go towards financial assistance of essential equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs and communication devices, providing summer camping experiences at Easter Seals camps, as well as funding of Recreational Choices such as swimming and art classes.

Every possible safety precaution has been taken to ensure Drop Zone is a secure and enjoyable event. Certified experts, back-up safety lines, mandatory participant training, frequent on site safety checks and many other precautions will be taken prior to and during each rappel.

Among the sponsors of the Toronto Easter Seals Drop Zone include: national founding sponsor CREIT Management L.P., national supporting sponsor Quixtar Canada and national supplier Remote Access Technology International.

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For more information about the Toronto Easter Seals Drop Zone visit www.thedropzone.ca or contact Russell Mark at rmark@easterseals.org or call (416) 421-8377 x 363

For media inquires, contact:
Barb Saunders
Communications, Easter Seals Society, Ontario
416.421.8377 ext. 326 bsaunders@easterseals.org

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