If you are in the Edmonton downtown area today, look up, way up, to see a hero above.
19-year old Taylor Cumming will be donning the cape and cowl and rappelling off a 27 story building. The stunt is a part of The Drop Zone which raises money for Easter Seals. Ordinary people become extraordinary heroes to help kids with disabilities. The Edmonton Journal talked to the university student.
“My 21-year-old brother, Garrett, has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and has used a wheelchair since he was 12,” says Cumming.
“His wheelchair is funded. But many are not fortunate enough to have full funding. “So I plan to help Easter Seals by rappelling. Hopefully our campaign will help needy kids and adults get equipment. The rappel also will help fund a residence and a summer camp for kids.” Garrett, who needs help with living fundamentals, was diagnosed when he was three. The siblings have always been close.
“I’m pretty proud of my sister,” he says.
Taylor is the most successful fundraiser in the Edmonton area so far, with nearly $4,000 raised.
The Batgirl outfit? “I was in a singing recital a couple of years ago,” she says. “I made it for a skit and knew it would come in handy.” Garrett, borrowing her psychologist’s hat, says it’s good for people to push themselves outside their comfort zone.
The drop takes place at Sutton Hotel, 10235 – 101 Street.
Cumming’s sponsorship page can be found here.
Future drop dates for other local heroes are scheduled across Canada. They include:
Regina – September 12, 2007
Hill Centre Tower II 1881 Scarth Street
Saskatoon – September 14, 2007
325 – 5th Ave North
Vancouver – September 17, 2007
999 West Hastings (AXA Place)
Toronto – September 17, 2007
175 Bloor Street. East, North Tower
Victoria – September 20, 2007
CIBC Standard Life Building, 1175 Douglas Street
Montreal – September 26, 2007
1010 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Those interested in sponsoring a superhero, or becoming one yourself, visit TheDropZone.ca for more details.
September 10th, 2007 at 10:30 am
what a cool sister! is this done anywhere in the US? I rappelled in Army basic training – it was fun!
September 10th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
It’s a lot safer in America, actually, as you can fall and land on a huge cushion of lawyers telling you not to do it. Canada has all the fun.
Actually, I remember seeing members of the Army on Letterman doing a top ten list and then rappelling down a 10-story building. It’s possible if you know the right people.