A team of Moose Javians is taking part in a pretty unique charity event for Easter Seals Saskatchewan, one that takes fundraising to new heights.
The Drop Zone is an annual fundraiser organized by Sask Abilities that invites teams and individuals to journey to the top of the Hill Tower Center in Regina, and then rappel down the side of the glass tower — which is about 250 feet to the bottom. This year it will be held August 24.
It’s a feat worthy of a superhero, which is why some participants choose to dress up as their favorite superhero: to up the ante of the experience.
Mark Fenton has signed up for his third go at the fundraiser, and this year he’s convinced a few of his friends to join the team. Alongside Fenton, Roxanne Shandera, Pamela Clothier, Abbas Ahmed, and Corey Csada make up The Breakfast Club.
Fenton and Shandera have both participated before, but this is the first time for Clothier, Csada, and Ahmed.
Each participant must raise $1,500 to take part, all of which will go towards the Easter Seals programming in the province: Camp Easter Seal, the Summer Fun program, and the Adaptive Technology program. Each program offers needed supports for those who have a disability.
For Fenton, the experience is one that is well worth the first-time jitters — not that he has those anymore.
“There are a lot of very good and worthy charities out there, and I just think this is amongst one of the best,” said Fenton. “And I think that the people that join us in this endeavor. . . hats off to those people that are challenging themselves to do this for such a great cause.”
The scariest part, agreed Shandera and Fenton, is letting go of the building for the first time — from there it’s a blast. (supplied)“When you're up there and you're looking down, I was fine,” said Shandera. “But then when you have to turn around and you're on the edge, with your back to the edge and then you're kind of like, 'this is not fine anymore.'”
But now, her and Fenton both agree that it's more exhilarating than terrifying.
Fenton sees some poetry in the way the event challenges people, somewhat like the challenges that those with disabilities who are supported by Easter Seals face too.
“It kind of gives us a little bit of a taste of challenging ourselves, to support their daily activities and challenges they go through,” said Fenton.
“We all know someone who is maybe meeting some help in this area, and it just might be able to jog their tender heart to be able to give, so that some other kids can have success,” added Shandera.
The members of The Breakfast Club are all excited to do some good for the Easter Seals. The team has been collecting donations, as well as selling cookies and refreshments at their office.
Now, they’re putting together a raffle for two gift certificates for the zip-line at Outdoor Edge Adventure Park in Lumsden.
“For every $20 someone donates towards the cause, we'll put them in for a raffle for some zip lining,” said Csada, adding that perhaps those nervous about rappelling could start with zip-lining and work their way up to the Drop Zone next year.
Fenton encourages everyone to get involved with the Drop Zone, whether by donating or joining the roster of rappellers — for him, the more awareness, the better.
“[When] we hit that number, we're not going to stop. We're going to keep going beyond that [$1,500], because it's not about just doing the rappel, it's about the kids,” said Fenton.
“I don't just look at it as raising money for this year, but getting enough awareness to create next year's superheroes to do the Drop Zone,” he added.
It’s not too late to sign up for this year’s event either. The Regina Drop Zone website is the best place to get registered, or to find more information about the event.
“You don't have to be superhuman, in great physical fitness to do this. Anybody can do this,” said Fenton. “It's a fun way and a different way to raise money for a cause.”
The Breakfast Club is still welcoming donations with open arms. Any of the team members can be contacted to donate, as well as the Drop Zone website for online donations to the team.
