Make-A-Wish(R) Rope for Hope Raises $300,000 in Toronto and Halifax

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 2, 2013) - In June, more than 165 individuals, including wish families, donors, corporate partners and members of the community, gathered their courage and rappelled great heights from 30+ storey, city-centre buildings in Toronto and Halifax at the second annual Make-A-Wish® Rope for Hope.

This year, Rope for Hope raised more than $300,000 to support local wish granting activities. Fundraising wish supporters rappelled in costume, in teams, solo and as part of the Toss Your Boss corporate challenge.

Rope for Hope is a unique challenge event that calls on participants to fundraise a minimum of $1,500, in exchange for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to rappel down the side of an iconic city building. The 2012 Rope for Hope pilot in Toronto at City Hall and its successes, led to 2013 events in Toronto and Halifax's Fenwick Tower.

Make-A-Wish plans to take the rappelling event from coast-to-coast and into five more markets in 2014.

"Make-A-Wish^® Rope for Hope is the unique, thrilling and adventurous experience that the community is looking for. It gives individuals an absolute adrenalin rush while raising money to support our magical wish granting mission," said Jennifer Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish^® Canada. "Besides, what's a few minutes of fear from a great height, when our wish children face adversity and challenges, often on a daily basis."

More information about Rope for Hope can be found at: www.ropeforhope.ca.

Event photos online at:

Toronto City Hall - June 14, 2013: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151561063409401.1073741828.103915054400&type=3

Fenwick Tower Halifax: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.613413155350671.1073741829.175752945783363&type=1

About Make-A-Wish ^® Canada

Make-A-Wish Canada is a dynamic wish-granting organization that brings hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Along with the national office, eight (8) regional chapters grant magical wishes to children in need from coast-to-coast. This year, Make-A-Wish Canada is celebrating its 30^th anniversary and the granting of more than 5,000 wishes. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish^® International. Make-A-Wish is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 310,000 children since 1980. For more information please visit www.makeawish.ca.