camp tidnish

For Kimberley Richardson, there was no better way to celebrate her 42nd birthday than taking in sunny harbour views while tandem rappelling a 22-storey building in downtown Halifax.

The quadriplegic wheelchair user, known online as “Odd Quad”, took part in Easter Seals Nova Scotia’s 21st annual Drop Zone fundraiser on Aug. 11, rappelling down 1801 Hollis Street.

The event, which organizers say is the only challenge of its kind in the Maritimes, raises money for Easter Seals programs and services across Nova Scotia, including Camp Tidnish, the province’s only camp for children, youth, adults, and seniors with disabilities.

Richardson says she became a quadriplegic after a rare childhood accident.

“I was playing on our sofa and I fell actually on the cushion part, and just the way I fell kind of stretched my neck. I actually got up and walked away from it, and it was probably about 48 hours later that I just started to lose mobility.”

She says the injury was caused by swelling in her spine rather than a spinal break.

“I didn’t actually have a break anywhere. It was like a swelling in the spine that caused the damage. I have complete sensation everywhere. I do have a little bit of movement. I just don’t have the ability to walk.”

Richardson says participating in Drop Zone was her chance to give back to an organization that has been part of her life for as long as she can remember.

“I was Easter Seals ambassador when I was younger for three or four years, and I went to Camp Tidish for almost ten years.”

At the time, Richardson says she didn’t fully appreciate what the camp and organization provided, but her perspective has changed over the years.

“Now that I’m older, I know the importance of it. And it’s very inclusive, and I think it’s a wonderful program. So, I’m happy to support it.”

To take part in the fundraiser, participants were required to raise a minimum of $1,500. Richardson says she exceeded that goal.

“I’ve been wanting to do this for a couple years,” says Richardson, explaining that the timing up until now was never quite right. “Then this year, when I found out it was on my birthday, I was like, the universe is telling me I have to do it. So, I did some fundraising, and here we are.”

The annual fundraiser supports programs that are not core funded, including Camp Tidnish and inclusive recreation programs such as basketball, hockey, and dance. Easter Seals supports about 2,700 Nova Scotians each year.

Despite the daunting descent, Richardson says she wasn’t nervous.

“Oh, I don’t have any nerves. I’m so excited. I have some family here. Everyone around me is extremely nervous, sick to their stomach, freaking out, and I’m just like, ‘yeah, let’s do this.’ I can’t wait. I’m so excited.”

Her mother, fiancé, and aunt were all there to support her.

Moments before making her descent, she reflected on finally checking the experience off her bucket list.

“It’s my first time doing anything like this. This year is the year, and I believe I’m up next.”