CWB National Leasing helps make wishes come true at 2016 Rope for Hope

Rappelling down skyscrapers to grant wishes for kids who need it most – that’s what Make-A-Wish® Rope for Hope is all about!

For the second year in a row, CWB National Leasing joined the Rope for Hope action as a national presenting sponsor of Make-A-Wish® Canada’s signature fundraising event. Over the spring and early summer, close to 600 brave souls took on the Rope for Hope challenge and rappelled down skyscrapers at event sites from Halifax to Vancouver. The best part – they raised over $1.29 million so far, which equals nearly 130 wishes for kids facing life-threatening medical conditions.

“From edging your way off the top of a skyscraper to meeting the families that this is all for, Rope for Hope is one incredible event,” says Erica Pollock, CWB National Leasing Account Manager and 2016 Rope for Hope Halifax participant.

Erica Pollock, CWB National Leasing Account Manager, after her rappel in Halifax

Along with Erica, 12 other CWB National Leasing employees got involved in Rope for Hope this year as participants and volunteers.

CWB National Leasing volunteers welcoming participants and spectators at Toronto Rope for Hope
 

“The camaraderie and heart each CWB National Leasing employee brought out to our events is inspiring,” says Chris Pon, Vice-president, National Alliances & Branding, Make-A-Wish® Canada. “Whether as a participant or volunteer, each individual clearly demonstrated that the collaborative values they live by in business are also shared when giving back to the community.”

Susan West, CWB National Leasing Sales Coordinator and dedicated Rope for Hope volunteer, lent a hand at two events this year, Kitchener-Waterloo and London.

“The positivity these kids and their families show at Rope for Hope after going through such difficult times is amazing,” says Susan. “I can’t get enough of it. I try and help out as much as I can at the events, but the real heroes are the wish kids.”

Through help from organizations like CWB National Leasing, Make-A-Wish® is able to bring some joy to wish kids like Diana.

Diana’s Story

At just over a year old, Diana was diagnosed with Wilms tumour, a rare kidney cancer primarily affecting kids. She overcame the disease and grew up to be an active young girl, taking up hobbies like rock climbing and skateboarding. A decade after her original diagnosis, Diana was put on dialysis in an attempt to combat end-stage renal disease.

Diana’s positivity helped her get through this tough time.

“I was pretty confident I was going to get better,” she says. “If I did have a bad day, I’d think about my wish coming true, and everything would be OK.”

After 14 months of treatment and a kidney transplant, Diana got to see her wish come true. She, along with her mom, dad and sisters, travelled to Walt Disney World® Resort where she spent her twelfth birthday meeting her favourite Disney princesses. Diana’s favourite part of the trip was meeting Belle in both her ordinary life and her magical life.

“Before I was about to leave, she gave me a big two-minute hug,” says Diana. “I even had a part in the Beauty and the Beast play.”

Diana with Wish Child Colby at this year’s Rope for Hope London
 

Having her wish come true inspired Diana to help other kids in similar situations. This past June, she fundraised for Make-A-Wish® and rappelled 96m down the south tower of London City Centre at Rope for Hope.

“Now that I’m no longer sick, I’m really looking forward to giving back to Make-A-Wish® like they gave to me, so even more kids’ dreams come true.”