Easter Seals Drop Zone Event Big Success
by Scott A. Sumner
The scene near the corner of Balmoral and Beverly Street was an interesting one on August 20th as you saw people repelling down the 14-storey building all for a good cause. “ The Easter Seals Drop Zone is an inaugural event in Thunder Bay but has been going on across Canada for the last 7 years. We wanted to do something special this year being Easter Seals Ontario 90th Anniversary so brought the event to Thunder Bay,” said Rhonda Harrison of Easter Seals Thunder Bay. “ We have 30 people repelling 14 stories down Maplecrest Condominium, brave souls. They worked hard raising pledges in support of Easter Seals Kids. It is scary but they are overcoming their fears. Everything has gone so well. I would love to do this again if the people let us.” Remote Access Technology( RAT) is the company based in Nova Scotia that does these types of events for 2 months in the summer across Canada. They have the technical expertise to allow the event to happen.
Laura Zaina, CKPR Morning Show Radio Host, was a participant in the event and came down Maplecrest Condominium. “ It is frightening when you are up there getting the instructions. The part where you first put your foot over the edge of the building is the most frightening. Just getting your feet on the edge of the building is the worst part. The guys talking you through it is great because they tell you exactly what to do with your hands, “ smiles Laura Zaina. “ You are controlling your descent but if you happen to let go you might drop just a bit but it won’t be much because your equipment locks. These guys are the company that clean the CN Tower which made me feel better.” Laura has a fear of heights so this was huge for her who told me she had trouble standing on a third storey balcony. It took Laura 8 minutes to come down. “ I decided I wouldn’t look around until I got to the 3rd floor. When I got going down it was good but it was counting the floors. It was exhilarating I’ll say that much but I was glad to be on the ground,” said Laura. “ Some of the people raised way more than they were required to which was $1500 per person. I talked to some people who came up to me and said they would do it next year because they knew how scared I was and accomplished it.” Lindsay Gaw- Martin was another participant in the Easter Seals Drop Zone and dressed as Robin of Robin and Barman fame for the occasion. “ I heard of the event months ago on the radio when they first started advertising it and just decided I wanted to go and help the cause. I work with kids in the school system and really want to give something back and I though this would be a great opportunity,” said Lindsay who raised $1600 just by asking everyone she knew. “ I had to go all out and get dressed up as Robin as well. I’m excited!”
