Rappellers raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation in Windsor

By Kurlis Mati

More than two dozen daredevils rappelled down one of the highest buildings in downtown Windsor recently to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“If anyone tells you they don’t get a little nervous up there, they are not telling you the truth,” said Windsor Police Const. Paul Paterson.

Paterson said he reached out to the Make-A-Wish Foundation before the event because he thought it would be a great experience for a great cause.

“I thought, anything we can do to help, this is a great foundation,” said Paterson. “I think what they do for these kids is unbelievable.”

Paterson was one of 26 people who rappelled down the CIBC building while a crowd of friends and family looked up from below.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s goal is to grant wishes to children with terminal illnesses. Make-A-Wish Canada has granted over 7,000 wishes and this year’s Windsor Rope for Hope event raised more than $47,000.

Special events coordinator Erin Bhati said the event has been held in London for five years and that organizers were excited for the inaugural event in Windsor. 

“We have over 160 wishes in Southwestern Ontario and 40 wishes in Windsor, which is the most we have granted, “said Bhati.  

The cutoff date for donations to the Rope for Hope event is Oct. 1. To donate go to makeawish.ca.