THUNDER BAY — Remax First Choice Realty and Remax Generations Realty joined forces to present hot air balloon rides, all for a good cause.
On Thursday evening, residents could enjoy a tethered hot air balloon ride at Northwood Playfield Park, and could pick up hot dogs, chips, and beverages by donation.
“We're out here today with the Remax balloon. Donations that people give, we're giving to the Children's Miracle Network,” said Tony Belluz, broker of record for Remax Generations.
Belluz said the Remax Balloon travels to all the offices in Northwestern Ontario.
Mario Tegola, broker of record for Remax First Choice, said many children in the region utilize the services of the Children's Miracle Network.
“The community gives to us and we want to give back to them,” Tegola said.
Tegola and Belluz have known each other for a long time, and said coming together to support the community means a lot to them.
“The Remax balloon is our logo. That's our trademark. When people see it, they know who it is,” Tegola said.
Eight-year-old Parker took a deep breath and hopped into the balloon.
“I went in the hot air balloon, and we were really high off the ground. I was kind of freaked out, but it was really fun.”
Parker said If the balloon ever came back to Thunder Bay, she would want to try it out again.
She was happy to be able to have fun and support a charity at the same time.
Audrey Pientok took her kids, Camille and Adrien, on a balloon ride.
"It was funny, it felt like you were just flying in the air," Camille said.
"It was really cool to be so high up in the air, and it's interesting how it works - the fire makes the balloon rise and it's really cool," Adrien said.
Pientok said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
"We had a long wait, we were almost afraid it wouldn't happen, but it did. We're super grateful," she said.
The event raised $2,000, and Belluz and Tegola are matching donations to present $4,000 to the Children’s Miracle Network.
Epic Cones was in attendance with ice cream available for purchase, and Talas Entertainment had glitter tattoos, bubble braids and a glitter bar available for purchase with a portion of proceeds donated.
