Next month, Clayton Ingle plans to dangle from the top of a 20-storey building. While he admits to being an adventure seeker, there is another motive for the daring escapade.
Ingle is the vice-president of the Abbotsford Lions Club and a major community supporter. On Sept. 13, he will take part in the annual Easter Seals Drop Zone in Vancouver.
The Drop Zone is a fundraising event that has participants collect donations and then rappel down the side of a structure. The event takes place at the AXA building, located at 999 West Hastings in Vancouver. All funds raised go to Easter Seals and B.C. Lions Society for Children with Disabilities.
Ingle first learned of the fundraiser on television and thought it was a good way to help out, and get an adrenaline rush.
“I’m the kind of guy who, if someone says let’s do something crazy, I’ll just do it,” he said.
His first experience with the fundraiser hooked him. This year marks the fourth time Ingle will rappel down a building. And, it was the Drop Zone challenge that got Ingle involved with the local Lions club.
Now he’s looking for the community’s support.
“I have lived in Abbotsford all my life and I am asking for anyone to donate any amount they want to this event so I can participate.”
In order to qualify to rappel, each person must raise a minimum of $1,500. Ingle already has $1,160 in pledges, but is hoping to improve on his personal best of $2,850, raised last year.
“I would be ecstatic if I was able to get a total of $3,000 or more.”
The first time he attended the event, Ingle said he had a slight “malfunction.”
“I slipped and fell for what felt like 20 feet.”
In reality, it was just a short distance before the safety equipment kicked in.
“It’s really safe to do. They are very professional.”
To donate to Ingle’s cause, visit thedropzone.ca
Ingle also has a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/?sk=pages#!/event.php?eid=142608609151078.
The public is welcome to attend the event and watch all the participants rappel.
About the cause:
Easter Seals is committed to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.
Its fully accessible camps allow kids and youth to learn about themselves and the potential of their abilities.