RBC Foundation is Empowering Youth with Diverse Abilities with $50,000 in funding for Easter Seals BC & Yukon
October 27, 2019 – Vancouver, BC – Easter Seals BC & Yukon, in conjunction with Easter Seals Canada, is pleased to announce a two-year partnership with RBC Foundation to empower youth, who are living with diverse abilities, for future success in life and the workplace. Known as the Easter Seals – RBC 21st Century Skills and Leadership Program, youth – between the ages of 15 and 29 years old – will have opportunities to participate in skills development and training, coaching, mentoring, work placements and volunteer activities.
“Whether it’s retraining or starting fresh, it’s clear that the skills needed to excel in today’s workplace are changing,” said Mark Beckles, Senior Director, Youth Strategy and Innovation, RBC. “That’s what RBC Future Launch is all about, and through our partnership with Easter Seals BC & Yukon, we hope to enable young people with diverse abilities to identify, articulate and build their skills.”
According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disabliity, one in five Canadians aged 15 years or older identify with having a disability, and employment rates for working-age adults with a disability is 59% compared to 80% for persons without disabilities. Challenges and obstacles they encounter in their daily lives limit their full participation in society, including in seeking and retaining meaningful employment.
“We’re very excited about this new partnership with the RBC Foundation, as we move forward in creating programs and services to ensure youth and young adults with diverse abilities have access to employment opportunities,” says Lisa Beck, CEO & President of Easter Seals BC/Yukon. “RBC Foundation’s partnership with Easter Seals, shows a compassion for individuals with disabilities and their desire to join us in creating a future where all persons can have success in life and the workplace.”
RBC Future Launch is a 10-year, $500 million commitment to empower Canadian youth for the jobs of tomorrow. With a focus on networking, skills development, practical work experience and mental wellbeing supports and services, the initiative aims to help break down the barriers facing young people. For more information about the RBC Future Launch program, visit the RBC Future Launch website: rbc.com/futurelaunch. #RBCFutureLaunch
