Canada celebrated every weekend this June as participants of the Money Mart Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay demonstrated what team work was all about while having the time of their lives. While fundraising is still coming in, in total the event raised approximately $1.9 million in all participating cities.

In Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, Edmonton and Toronto, teams had runners on the track at all times during a 24 hour period between early Saturday to early Sunday, spelling one another in shifts. When not on the track, participants engaged in sports tournaments and wacky activities such as Hollywood themed dress up in Edmonton.

While Edmonton braved the rain, no one’s spirits were dampened. There was non-stop activity to combat the non-stop rain during the event’s 25th anniversary. Everyone had a blast with all the indoor activities.

Toronto too celebrated an anniversary. Runners, joggers and walkers went the distance for kids with physical disabilities during its 20th anniversary. The annual ‘party with a purpose’ did not disappoint as participants enjoyed live music, a football clinic with former Toronto Argonaut, Adriano Belli, slo-pitch and volleyball tournaments, karaoke, and a performance by hypnotist, Dave Curran.

Vancouver’s event raised just over $1 million alone for Easter Seals Camps in BC, with Victoria raising $422,000, followed by Kelowna’s $171,000.

Money Mart, which peoples the tracking tent, once again got into the spirit of the event by handing out sunglasses, repeating the annual Best Decorated Camp Site contest, and adding prize money to the best team photos. Money Mart also donated $0.25 for every like of the national 24 Hour Relay Facebook page and retweets of any message that included the #es24hourrelay, @easteseals and @moneymartcanada.

“We are so excited to once again have the opportunity to support Easter Seals, and make a difference in the lives of the children with disabilities,” says Norm Miller, COO of Dollar Financial Corp. – National Money Mart. “Our support is only made possible by the generosity of our customers and the hard work of our staff, who every year go above and beyond to help make a difference for the kids.”

2011 DSA awards presented at organization’s annual conference

Toronto, ON – Easter Seals Canada congratulates Amway Canada for receiving the Direct Sellers Association’s (DSA) Making a Difference Award for its sponsorship support of the Easter Seals Drop Zone. The Award was presented to Amway at the association’s annual conference in Banff, Alberta on June 28.

The Making a Difference Award recognizes the efforts of companies that have made a profound difference in communities across Canada. Criteria for this honour include consideration of the level of involvement in the community, the effort relative to the size of the company and the company’s vision and motivation.

Amway Canada Corporation and its Independent Business Owners partner with Easter Seals Canada through its sponsorship of the Easter Seals Drop Zone events. The Drop Zone provides average Canadians the opportunity to trade their suits and briefcases for helmets and harnesses and to become superheroes for a day rappelling down skyscrapers to raise much-needed funds on behalf of Easter Seals. Drop Zone events take place yearly in the late summer and early fall in 13 cities across the country.

In the last five years alone, Amway Canada Corporation and its Independent Business Owners have raised nearly $360,000 for Easter Seals programs and services. That money – which stays in the communities in which it is raised – helps children with disabilities and special needs meet their full potential.

Angela Abdallah, fearless Drop Zone participant and Manger of Communications & Government Affairs of Amway Canada, was also recognized at the DSA conference. Ms. Abdallah is recipient of the Ivan P. Phelan Award, the industry’s highest personal recognition, presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the direct selling industry in Canada. Ms. Abdallah is recognized for her positive actions and valuable contributions to the direct selling industry and the community.

“We are thrilled that the Direct Sellers Association has recognized Amway and Angela Abdallah for their incredible work in making a difference,” says Max Beck, CEO of Easter Seals Canada. “Since 2006, Amway has provided tremendous energy and support for the Easter Seals Drop Zone helping to make it one of the country’s most successful fundraising events.”

Amway Canada Corporation and its Independent Business Owners are currently gearing up for the seventh annual Easter Seals Drop Zone. First event starts August 13th in St. John’s, NL. For more visit www.thedropzone.ca.