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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, October 16, 2015 | 16 Fundraiser will fly in Oakville to help a good cause by Melanie Cummings Special to the Beaver The 45-foot tall cylindrical wind tunnel, at 2007 Winston Park Dr. in Oakville, simulates the free-fall experience in a safe way. Everyone is welcome And it's open to everyone aged four and older. No experience is necessary. According to Leona Banfield, Woodview's program manager and chair of this inaugural fundraiser, "We're asking people to do something outside their comfort zone, just as our clients do every day." There are limited openings left to fly for a good cause this weekend. For $82 and an experience of a lifetime, you can be the wind beneath the wings of the 2,000 clients who rely on Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services each year. Head to iFLY Saturday (Oct. 17) between 5-8 p.m., or Sunday (Oct. 18) from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and feel like a skydiver without setting foot outside a plane at 13,000 feet in the air. We are asking people to do something outside their comfort zone, just as our clients do every day. Woodview Mental Health and Autsim Services Leona Banfield And supporters are rising to the occasion. More than 85 per cent of tickets are sold and $25,000 of the $30,000 fundraising goal has been reached. Seventy-five per cent of every ticket sold, as well as any add-ons such as video, photos and tandem flights, go directly to enhancing services at Woodview. Fundraiser helps fund programs The weekend skydiving marathon helps fund Woodview's 25 programs that improve the quality of life for children, youths and adults within the Halton, Hamilton and Brant communities. Woodview helps children and adults with mental illnesses and autism improve their social and communication skills and life skills so that they can live more independently. Banfield is also hoping the event elevates conversations around mental health and autism to help eradicate stigmas. One out of every five children struggle with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, severe enough that it affects their daily functioning. But these issues are treatable with early intervention. Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears within a child's first three years. Specialized services provided through Woodview make a difference, said Banfield. An epic event promised "iFly for Woodview will be an epic event that will change the lives of not only the families we work with but the lives of those who are willing to fly above and beyond with us," said Cindy I'Anson, Woodview's executive director. Flight packages include training with an instructor, ground preparation, tunnel gear and two flights per person. If flying isn't your thing, supporters can watch others in flight from outside the glass tunnel and join in the party atmosphere on Saturday and Sunday. Observation crews and fliers will enjoy food, movies, face painting, video games and hourly draws on the flight deck lounge at iFLY. Donations can also be made directly to Woodview. For information, visit iflyforwoodview.ca, or call Woodview at 905-689-4727. Offer expires November 13, 2015. Must bring in this ad. Thank-you oakville! PLATINUM Cruise CoMPaNy 905-815-2021- Cruise Holidays of oakville 221 Lakeshore Road East · 905-337-2228 info@cruiseholidaysoakville.com www.cruiseholidaysoakville.com TICO# 4537114 ON REG# 970855995