Suspended Superheroes support kids in hospital

Winnipeg, MB (Friday, October 4, 2024) – Superheroes swung into action to help kids in hospital make meaningful memories for the third annual Suspended Superheroes event at HSC Children’s Hospital. Specially trained participants geared up in costumes, uniforms, and safety harnesses to rappel down the building and interact with children in hospital for an exciting celebration and fundraising event.

Suspended Superheroes is planned and executed by Voyageur Technical, a Winnipeg-based company specializing in access and rescue solutions and consulting. Participants included Voyageur Technical, the Canadian Armed Forces members from the 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, the RCMP Emergency Response Team, the Winnipeg Police Service Tactical Support Team, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and special superheroes in-training, who – along with Voyageur Technical and first responders – fundraised over $50,000 for the Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“We have watched the Suspended Superheroes event grow year over year, and we’re so grateful for the impact this dedicated group makes for families spending Halloween in hospital,” says Stefano Grande, President and CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

“These superheroes are raising critical funds, while also bringing joy to children, their families, and the health care heroes who support them.”

Specialists at HSC Children’s say opportunities for celebration and distraction are important for kids and their families while in hospital.

“The kids we care for and even our health care teams look forward to the Suspended Superheroes every year, and it’s a special way to celebrate Halloween in hospital,” says Jenny Kidder, Manager of Child Life, Spiritual Health Services and Volunteer Services.

“We know opportunities for comfort, distraction and engagement are an important part of a child’s recovery and we welcome this innovative way to help make kids smile.”

Voyageur Technical and first responders were excited to harness their creativity and specialized skills to help kids.  

“For the third year in a row we’re grateful to be gathering at the Children’s Hospital for Suspended Superheroes,” says Chris Toews, Managing Director of Voyageur Technical.

“This incredible day of fun and laughter with kids and caregivers at HSC Children’s is unlike anything else in the city and we’re proud and thankful to be a part of it, alongside our friends in the emergency response community.”

“As members of the 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron, we are honoured to participate in the Suspended Superheroes event at HSC Children’s Hospital,” says Master Corporal Maloway, Search and Rescue Technician, 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron. “This initiative not only allows us to bring joy and hope to the children at the hospital but also reinforces our commitment to supporting our community. Together, we can inspire strength and resilience in the young patients, while reminding them that they are never alone in their battles.”

“As members of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, we don’t usually get to attend events that are focused on spreading joy, so we are honoured to be included in Suspended Superheroes,” says Corporal Russ Hulme, RCMP Emergency Response Team Leader. “It is part of who we are as members of the RCMP to be there when the community needs us, and these children need something to make them smile. We hope we can give that to them when they see superheroes outside their windows because, to us, they are the superheroes.”

“Responders have a long history of coming together to support our community in fun and unique ways,” says Chief Christian Schmidt, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. “The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is thrilled to join fellow responders and partners for this event, helping to provide a memorable experience for kids in hospital.”

“We feel extremely fortunate to be in a position to contribute to such an amazing event and thankful to be included,” says Sgt. Shane Cooke, Winnipeg Police Service Tactical Support Team. “It is pretty amazing seeing the smiles it brings to the faces of these brave kids, their families and the incredible staff at the HSC Children’s Hospital, especially with what they fight through on a daily basis. They are the true superheroes here.”

Maple Leaf Ropes generously donated specialized ropes for the event. Sidekick sponsors include Reliant Action Ltd., Signex Manufacturing, and Thomas Wealth Management Group.

To donate, visit goodbear.ca/suspendedsuperheroes.