February’s Awesome Ottawa award goes to Simone Healey and Zara Ansar, to support a 1970s roller disco event next month at Landsdowne Park.

“On March 12th,” explains Simone, “we are planning to transform the Horticulture Building into a 1970’s roller disco — neon lights, vintage roller skates, disco balls, and everyone dressed in attire from the era. The goal,” she continues, “is to allow people to try something different, have fun, and create memories — those who remember the fun nights of roller discoing in the ‘70s and ‘80s and those who have dreamed of experiencing it.”

“Partial proceeds,” Simone explains, “will benefit the Canadian Cancer Society Wheels of Hope program, a shared-ride program that not only provides patients with transportation to and from treatments but also offers a friendly, supportive environment along the way. This program is very dear to me, and what better way to contribute to the Wheels of Hope program than by wheeling around on roller skates!”

Tickets are available online, as well as at Vincent (444 Preston Street), The Record Centre (1099 Wellington St. West), and Neon Skates (285 St Patrick Street). There is also a Facebook event page, with more than 2000 roller disco fans already interested.

Born and raised in Ottawa, Zara is a videographer by day and a creative ninja by night. She loves riding her bike all over town. Simone moved to Ottawa as a young teenager from St. John’s, Newfoundland. She is a public servant working in intergovernmental relations who enjoys event planning on the side.