Canada's Wonderland and SickKids Launch Yukon Striker First Ride Fundraiser

VAUGHAN, Ontario, March 14, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canada's Wonderland, in partnership with SickKids Foundation, is challenging ride enthusiasts and child health supporters alike to "Break Records and Heal Kids" by fundraising for a chance to be first to ride the world-record breaking dive coaster Yukon Striker.  

Beginning today, March 14, participants in the fundraiser will receive one entry for every $100 they raise in a contest to win one of 72 seats on the first public ride of Yukon Striker, the world's longest, tallest and fastest dive roller coaster. The more a participant raises, the more entries they receive and the better their chances of winning. Individuals, groups, school classes and companies are invited to fundraise for a chance at one of those seats, up until Tuesday, April 16 and can start their campaign here. 

All proceeds go directly to SickKids Foundation, to support world-class research, learning and care and to help build a renewed, reimagined SickKids in Toronto, ON.

After the contest closes, SickKids will conduct a random draw for the 72 riders who will be invited, along with a guest, to an exclusive ceremony on Wednesday, April 24 at noon for the official first public ride on the roller coaster. Winners will also receive lunch, a commemorative gift from Canada's Wonderland and on-ride photo. Following the first ride, winners and their guests can continue to ride Yukon Striker that afternoon.

"We are in midst of the largest fundraising campaign in Canadian healthcare history and we're grateful to Canada's Wonderland and their supporters for going big to help us reach our ambitious goal," says James Powell, Director, Cause Marketing, SickKids Foundation. "The funds raised from this initiative will help SickKids continue to fund the fight against the greatest challenges in child health."

Yukon Striker will be the 17^th roller coaster built at Canada's Wonderland and promises an exhilarating ride as the longest (1,105m), tallest (75m) and fastest (130km/h) dive coaster in the world. Riders will be held for three breath-taking seconds over the summit of a 90-degree drop before diving down through an underwater tunnel. It also features floorless, stadium-style seating and the only 360-degree loop for a dive coaster in the world. 

Visit the official Yukon Striker First Ride page here.

Contact:

Grace Peacock
Canada's Wonderland
[email protected]
905-832-7480

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/48328e1e-3a3a-4f5c-bb93-3694abb7bbbb

http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/75f03e06-4929-46be-ae7b-47c85c457f01