This article was published in September 2022 and may be outdated.
After being on COVID hiatus for nearly three years, the Easter Seals Drop Zone returned to Manitoba Hydro Place August 23 – and with it came the costumed superheroes, singers, and supporters of Manitoba Possible, an agency dedicated to ensuring an inclusive and accessible society for all.
While this year’s return event was smaller than some past occasions, the day’s energy was big and bold – just like the energy of those rappelling from the roof of the building with music playing and a crowd waving.
Forty-five individuals – including two who dressed like Elvis Presley – strapped on safety harnesses and other important safety gear to scale down an exterior wall of 360 Portage Avenue.
Benjamin Graham and Dave Tompkins (Manitoba Blue Cross), each dressed as Elvis Presley, descended the skyscraper in support of Manitoba Possible.
Enlarge image: Two men in white polyester jumpsuits hold signs reading I did it.
For Manitoba Possible, the return to Manitoba Hydro Place was a reason to be hopeful.
“Manitoba Hydro is an amazing partner, and our event would be near impossible without them,” said Diana Simpson, Major Events and Fund Development coordinator for Manitoba Possible. “The funds raised are crucial for our recreation and leisure programming to run at full capacity, so we are ecstatic to be back.”
Manitoba Hydro employees Kathleen Hodgson and Michelle Whetter get ready to make the great descent down the Hydro skyscraper.
Enlarge image: Two women stand on the roof of a building in front of large Manitoba Hydro sign.
The fundraiser raised approximately $57,000 and is now projected to raise more than $70,000 as funds continue to come in.
After COVID led to a big reduction in foot traffic and community events, the large-scale and vibrant Drop Zone event meant something more to the downtown Winnipeg community.
“We love seeing big events like this happening downtown, especially after such a long period where it was severely limited,” said Kate Fenske, CEO of Downtown Winnipeg BIZ.
“It’s so important for our city to have vibrancy and life in the downtown and I’m so glad Manitoba Hydro and Manitoba Possible were able to put this event on again after the hiatus – it was a blast and I’m already looking forward to the next one.”
Alex Varricchio (Uphouse) in a purple tutu gives a thumbs up to the crew watching him navigate the descent.
Want to get a birds-eye view of the rappel? Check out the 360-camera footage as Manitoba Hydro’s Michelle Whetter and Kathleen Hodgson descend from Manitoba Hydro Place in support of Manitoba Possible.
How to watch 360 videos:
Drag or swipe across the screen to change the angle on your mobile device or click on the four arrows on the left side of the screen to manipulate the angle you see.
For more stories about the commitment of Manitoba Hydro employees across the province in making their communities safe, vibrant and inclusive places to live, see our Corporate Social Responsibility Report.