’Best view of Halifax’: Easter Seals to host 20th Drop Zone Challenge

The 20th Drop Zone Challenge for Easter Seals is happening soon, and Crystal Garrett gets the details.

In a matter of weeks, people will rappel down one of Halifax’s tallest buildings – all for a good cause.

Easter Seals Nova Scotia is hosting its annual Drop Zone Challenge. It’s the 20th anniversary of the event, which raises funds for Camp Tidnish.

“This is the 88th year for Camp Tidnish, and it is the only barrier-free accessible camp in Nova Scotia for children, youth, adults and seniors. We’ve had people that have been going to this camp since 1974, and it really is a wonderful experience for persons with disabilities,” said Easter Seals Nova Scotia CEO Joanne Bernard.

“It is one place that people look forward to all year. They maintain friendships for generations and it just really is a truly special place.”

The Drop Zone Challenge also raises funds for other programs put on by Easter Seals, with all the money staying in Nova Scotia.

Easter Seals special events coordinator Caden Flynn, who lives with cerebral palsy, first got involved with the organization through its Learn to Sledge program when he was a child.

“One of the things I loved about that program, and about a lot of our programs, is we’re focusing not only on the physical aspects of accessibility – getting in the building – but we really focus on social inclusion, which I think is a huge piece of developing confidence and building on abilities that these people and children already have,” he said.

“I can’t stress how important programs like this were to my development as a kid.”

The Drop Zone Challenge will see people rappel down 1801 Hollis St. Both Bernard and Flynn have participated in the challenge themselves.

“It is the most fun I’ve ever had in Downtown Halifax despite what the footage might look like. It is not as scary as it looks. Frankly, it is also the best view of Halifax you’ll ever get,” said Flynn.

Bernard took part in 2014, years before she became CEO of the organization.

“It was a bucket list thing, and I felt really accomplished about something of overcoming my fear,” she said.

The Drop Zone Challenge takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Participants will receive training prior to the event.

“Anyone can participate,” said Bernard.

The Easter Seals said if it can raise $100,000 this year, it will hit a milestone of $2 million raised.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page