KANATA – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is taking all first-responders comers in a first down the Brookstreet Hotel rappel race.

“The OPS is pleased to issue a challenge to all first-responders in the city, to a rappelling race from the top of the Brookstreet Hotel on Sept.  27,” OPS staff released in a challenge today (July 3).

“Make-A-Wish’s Hometown Heroes challenge is a great opportunity to not only raise money for a great cause, but also gain some bragging rights. I know who I’m betting on,” said Ottawa Police project spokesperson Const. Greg Thomson. “You are also helping to make the wishes come true for some of our city’s children.”

The Rope for Hope event is a unique challenge that calls on participants to fundraise in support of local wish-granting efforts for children with terminal illnesses.

“We plan on having at least one team from Ottawa Police, but we may have more,” Const. Thomson said. “You now have the summer to fundraise and then we will see you at the top of Brookstreet.”

The Brookstreet has been a huge supporter of the West Carleton community. During the aftermath of last fall’s tornado, the hotel donated $100,000 for those displaced by the tornado to use at the hotel in anyway they wanted.

“The Hometown Heroes portion of this fundraising event targets our city’s first responders,” the OPS said. “You can sign up as a team or an individual. Teams or individuals must raise a minimum of $1,500 to submit their strongest athlete and then pit their skills against other first-responders in a challenging race from the top of the Brookstreet Hotel to ground level. So as you head into summer vacation, take the time to train and prepare – and register your team to compete.”

“We are very excited about this challenge as your support comes at a much-needed time,” said Tanya Desjardins, CEO of Make-A-Wish, Eastern Ontario. “We currently have over 165 children in our community waiting for their life-changing wish.  All funds raised will go directly towards granting these wishes. It’s wonderful that our Hometown Heroes want to help make a difference in the lives of younger everyday heroes – our wish children.”