THUNDER BAY – Rhonda Harrison wants the Drop Zone fundraiser to go out with a bang.
Harrison, the executive director of the local chapter of Easter Seals Ontario, on Wednesday said they’re saying good-bye to the popular event after five years, the glamour and uniqueness of rappelling down the side of a 14-storey building losing some of its luster.
Harrison said they’ve got 100 spots open at the Aug. 11 event and would like to fill them all. That would mean the event would raise a minimum of $100,000, each participant expected to collect at least $1,000 in pledges or more.
“Drop Zone is a unique experience for people in Thunder Bay,” she said, standing at the base of Maplecrest Towers, the second tallest building in the city.
“This is the fifth year for the event and this is our final year. Anyone who has been on the fence thinking about it, this is your chance.”
Despite its pending departure, Drop Zone has been a resounding success over the past four years.
“This has been one our largest fundraisers for Easter Seals in Thunder Bay. It’s been great exposure for us and everyone who comes out always has great fun, facing that fear, stepping over the ledge and coming down 150 feet.”
Those taking part are encouraged to dress up as their favourite superhero. Money raised will be used to provide mobility devices to children with physical disabilities and to cover costs of sending youngsters to fully accessible summer camps.
Harrison said she already has plans in the works to replace the fundraiser with something new in October 2017.
To register, visit www.thedropzone.ca.