Rappelling down one last time

THUNDER BAY – Matthew Krueger says he’s got a healthy respect for heights.

But it didn’t stop him from climbing over the ledge of Thunder Bay’s second-tallest apartment building and rappelling 14 stories to the ground Thursday in support of Easter Seals.

“I enjoyed it quite a bit. I’d do it again next year if I could, but unfortunately this is the last year you can do it,” said Krueger, who donned a Thor costume for his fundraising effort, not daunted in the least by a steady stream of rain that soaked the city for most of the day.

He said he decided to participate after hearing about it on the radio and recognizing the work Easter Seals and similar organizations have done to help his family over the years.

Krueger’s foster uncle was born with spina bifida, his back broken when he was born.

“Unfortunately he’s always needed a wheelchair. Easter Seals and groups just like it have always helped him out, buying him wheelchairs and with walking support and stuff like that, so I figured it’s the least I can do,” Krueger said.

“If I can do this, it’s probably best that I do it.”

It was finally being strapped in and stepping to a slippery ledge that turned his morning adventure into reality, Krueger said.

“This is the moment where I’m not sure everything is going to work out right or if it’s going to be an utter show that’s going to end up on the Internet,” said Krueger, who contemplated wearing a Jedi costume or dressing up as Duff Man before settling on his outfit of choice. 

“After you get off the first part you’re like, ‘OK, I can get this going, I can do this.’ But then if you get overconfident, you start bouncing and you say, ‘That’s not what I wanted to do. Everyone’s going to laugh at me.”

He had nothing to worry about.

Nor did Yvette Pimentel, who said her experience was incredible, despite challenging conditions.

“It was a little scary at first because of the rain and the wind and the seagulls, but it was awesome,” she said.

“It’s for the kids, for Easter Seals. It’s the last year they’re doing it, unfortunately.”

The fifth year is indeed the final time for the event, which enticed 30 people to take part this summer.

Easter Seals Ontario’s Rhonda Harrison said it’s simply run its course and will be replaced with a new, yet-to-be-revealed event next year.

“We’re going to miss this event,” she said. “Numbers are down a little bit, but we’re still going to make a lot of money for Easter Seals kids.”

Fundraising totals weren’t immediately available on Thursday.