Media Advisory: Make-A-Wish(R) Rope for Hope Returns to Toronto City Hall

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 4, 2013) - On June 14, 2013, up to 180 individuals, corporate teams, and wish families will gather their courage to rappel 30-storeys down Toronto City Hall in support of the second annual Make-A-Wish® Rope for Hope. Rope for Hope is an exclusive challenge event that calls on participants to fund raise a minimum of $1,500*, in exchange for a thrilling experience to rappel down the east tower of Toronto's iconic City Hall. In 2012, 90 individuals raised more than $115,000 to support local magical wishes. Last year's success has resulted in taking the event to the next level in 2013, adding two more rappel ropes and the goal to raise $245,000.

Also this year, Toronto is one of two cities hosting rappelling events in June; participants can also fundraise and rappel down 32-storey of Fenwick Tower in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on June 21^st. More information for both events can be found at www.ropeforhope.ca.

"We are thrilled to see returning participants this year, including, wish children and wish parents, as well as individual supporters," said Sheila Reese, Regional Director, Toronto & Central Ontario. "The level of engagement in year two of Rope for Hope reiterates how unique and rewarding this challenge event is within the community."

Toronto Rappeller Highlights:

• Wish Dad Angelo to Wish Child Chris, 15 (9 at time of wish), Leukemia, "I wish to go to Walt Disney World^®." As one of the top fundraisers, wish dad, Angelo is rappelling to help support granting more wishes like his son Chris' to give other families the hope, strength and joy that his family felt working with Make-A-Wish. - Rappel time 2:00 p.m.
  
• Past wish child, Christian, 17, Hodgkin's Lymphoma "I wish to have a new Sony laptop" Almost six years ago Christian was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma and is fundraising to help create the same experience he had, for wish children just like him. - Rappel time - 1:10 p.m.

• Dan Carlton, first year participant, from Ottawa. For most people, the idea of rappelling down the side of a building is scary enough. But not for Daniel Carleton, an Ottawa-based Rope for Hope participant, who is adding a 500km cycle onto his challenge! This means Dan will be biking from Ottawa to Toronto prior to his rappel, and Dan is also our top fundraiser, having raised more than $4,800 thus far- exceeding his goal of $3,500. Rappel Time - 1:25 p.m.

Please note: Media must request interviews in advance.

Make-A-Wish Rope for Hope Details

* All monies raised by Make-A-Wish Rope for Hope rappellers go to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

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 300,000 children since 1980. For more information please visit www.makeawish.ca.