2012 EESFC Toronto Harbour Cruise

The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation of Canada (EESFC) held its annual Toronto Harbour Cruise on June 13.

A setting sun and calm waters proved to be ideal conditions for the Fourth Annual Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation of Canada (EESFC) Toronto Harbour Cruise that took place on June 13. Alison Whittaker, EESFC vice chair; Steve Husband, Canadian liaison to the U.S. board; Tom Rennick, secretary/treasurer; Mike Alcott, newly elected board member; and Barbara Allen, EESFC administrator, greeted and registered a record-setting attendance of 101 members and guests. Once registered, attendees made their way to the open bar for the first of many refreshments for the night. Prior to castoff, guests gathered across the decks of the Mariposa Belle, with many lingering on the open deck topside. 

EESFC continues to promote the safe and proper use of elevators, escalators and moving walkways by offering materials to school-aged children throughout Canada. The Safe-T Rider© campaign reaches more than 45,000 children each year. The goal for this cruise was to raise money and awareness for the Foundation so more children can be reached throughout Canada. Whittaker said:

“As an industry, it is important to educate and encourage the safety of the riding public. Utilizing the Safe-T Rider program allows us to reach a grassroots platform for this education in a fun and informative way. The Toronto cruise is an ideal and enjoyable venue for raising funds and awareness within the industry.”

With cocktails in hand, passengers boarded promptly at 7 p.m., and the excitement grew as an evening of fellowship and camaraderie got underway. As the Mariposa Belle set sail, it became evident that Toronto is not only a destination, but also a city under transformation. Towers spanned the skyline and soon were a topic of conversation among several groups that gathered to watch the shore move away. Many of those aboard caught up with colleagues and friends as a light blend of music filled the air, setting the tone for the evening.

The Mariposa Belle sailed through several canals alongside islands and marinas scattered throughout the Toronto Harbour while a gourmet meal was served. An occasional plane landing at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, along with wildlife and landscapes, could be seen at every turn. In the meantime, Whittaker and Rennick sold tickets for a 50/50 raffle drawing of which CAD710.00 (US$699.23) was raised. The winning ticket was held by Mike Brown, Operations manager for GAL Canada Elevator Products.

EESFC Campaign Chairman Bill Rogan of Skyline Elevator presented the cruise committee with a check for CAD450 (US$443.20). The donation was given by the 2013 Canadian Elevator Contractor Association (CECA) host committee from a pre-CECA golf outing and 50/50 raffle. The winner, Husband, generously donated his winnings back to the betterment of the EESFC. Alan Hopkirk of Trident Elevator also contributed CAD1,000 (US$984.95) for his annual membership.

 The festivities of the night were still in full swing as lines were thrown ashore, and the Mariposa Belle rested along side its dock. The spirits remained high as attendees disembarked. As the record-setting evening came to a close, it was noted that the 2012 EESFC Toronto Harbour cruise exceeded all expectations. This year’s event raised more than CAD5,900 (US$5,811.20) and proved to be a success. For more on EESFC events or to participate, visit website: www.eesf.org.