A local woman is embracing her inner superhero to swing into action in support of HSC Children’s Hospital.
Stacey (Eichler) Pereira, who grew up in Teulon, will be participating in the Suspended Superheroes initiative on Friday, Oct. 4. Through this annual event, volunteers like Pereira gear up as superheroes in costumes, uniforms and safety harnesses before rappelling down the HSC Children’s Hospital building. On their way down, they interact with children through the hospital windows and generate a sense of excitement for all.
Winnipeg-based company Voyageur Technical plans and executes the Suspended Superheroes initiative. Participants include Voyageur Technical, the Canadian Armed Forces, the RCMP Emergency Response Team, the Winnipeg Police Service Tactical Support Team, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and special superheroes in-training — including Pereira.
At the same time, the event also serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“Being passionate about child health, I saw this as an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families facing difficult times. Our family had an extended stay at HSC Children’s Hospital due to a serious accident involving one of our children. We were blown away by the care and compassion shown by the health-care providers and support staff,” she said.
“Witnessing the various needs of the hospital during our stay, we have been looking for ways to give back. I am especially excited to know funds raised will be supporting the Child Life program, which made a significant impact to both our child and family’s stay. Ultimately, we just want to give back to the hospital that provided so much to our child and family in our time of need.”
It’s the first time Pereira is participating in this type of event, and she’ll have to rely on her super powers to overcome her nervousness.
“I’m scared of heights, so as a rule I stay far, far away from any rooftops. Despite having had two training days, I’m still very, very nervous, but as the event approaches, I actually feel more and more excited,” Pereira said.
“I think I’m most looking forward to see the children’s faces as we rappel by their windows and seeing the joy it will bring to them and their families.”
Anyone who would like to make a donation can visit www.goodbear.ca and searching for Stacey Pereira. Donations receive a tax receipt, and any amount makes a difference.
Tribune Photos Submitted
