Fair’s giant slide brings funds for Kiwanis
‘Simple ride’ attracts slide-side engagements and childhood glee
Among the Capital Ex rides that twist and drop and swirl, stands a simple slide that remains ever popular and very important as a local fundraiser.
The Kiwanis Club of Edmonton, part of a global organization that benefits children and communities, operates the Giant Slide at Capital Ex every year to raise funds for various local and international projects.
“It’s our key fundraiser for all our projects,” says Krista Leddy, 35, president-elect of downtown Edmonton’s Kiwanis Club.
It’s been that way since the early 1970s when the bright yellow slide was purchased by the club from a man in California and brought to Northlands, says 80-year-old Kiwanis member Neil Longson, who has been with the club since 1966.
“It’s a simple ride. There’s nothing mechanical to it, but kids really enjoy it and have a lot of fun,” says Winston Edwards, 76, another longtime Kiwanis member.
Lyle Ward, another old-timer, chimes in.
“It’s a good way of making money to contribute to kids around Edmonton,” says Ward, 88 and one of several spry seniors who volunteer to help 14 young people employed to operate the ride.
“We make a lot of money at it.”
They won’t say exactly how much, but estimate it rakes in as much as the average fundraising casino.
Giant Slide co-ordinator Robert Leddy, 38, says the job is a lot of fun for all involved.
“We look forward to it every year and it’s a fun way to promote the club and its work,” says Robert, Krista Leddy’s husband.
And each slide down, at four coupons a pop, brings in more cash for the Kiwanis Club. There are also repeat customers who return year after year for the traditional, longstanding ride.
Krista Leddy remembers a senior couple who rode the slide last summer with their grandchildren.
The two lovebirds also rode the slide on their first date.
This year, another couple was expected to take their wedding photos at the slide, following a slide-side engagement in 2011. Then there was the child who rode the slide 28 times in a row Friday night.
“Kids will do it again and again and again,” Robert Leddy says.
“There’s a real thrill factor to it. It’s work to get to the top and then a fun ride down.”