ACE putting the FUN back in fundraising

Ever want to experience an arctic snowstorm, searing desert sun, or the tropical conditions of a rainforest? How about experiencing all three in one day? That’s what participants in the 2016 Ontario Shores Extreme Challenge accomplished in just four hours inside the incredible ACE climatic wind tunnel at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.

• Video link: 2016 Ontario Shores Extreme Challenge

The Extreme Challenge was a charitable event in support of mental health research and mental health awareness. In the climatic spinning event, riders withstood climatic extremities in four, one-hour classes that featured every possible weather scenario – from the severity of a blizzard to near-hurricane-force winds to relentless tropical rain.

ACE is known for its advanced research and testing capabilities, as well as its awe-inspiring ability to create any climatic condition on the planet. Recently the facility has become a unique and exciting venue for holding successful, one-of-a-kind fundraisers.

“With its capacity to deliver an exhilarating experience in multiple extreme climate scenarios, ACE is opening the door to a wide range of charitable opportunities one never thought would be possible,” says Don Toporowski, ACE General Manager. “Inventors, engineers and industry leaders come to ACE from all over the world to take advantage of its amazing capabilities. Now we are also delivering incredible fundraising opportunities for our community friends.” 

Similar to the endless research capabilities at ACE, the same applies to the possibilities for fundraising events. Access to ACE’s advanced wind tunnel and climatic chambers allows for fully customizable events, where no idea is too far-fetched.

Other recent charitable events at ACE include:

• Climatic Zumba, a recurring event in the wind tunnel, where high-energy Zumba instructors take eager participants on a tour through all climates of the world during a fun-filled dance class.
• Yoga in the Elements saw enthusiastic yogis enjoy warm, breezy winds and refreshing rain showers.
• Climatic Gala events have also become a possibility, where climatic-themed rooms can have guests tanning beside a Caribbean tiki bar, or lounging in a hot tub by an ice sculpture in the Arctic.