Easter Seals’ Chip In for the Kids Tree Recycle raised over $16,000.

Vancouver Island, B.C. – January 18, 2023: Easter Seals BC/Yukon’s 33^rd annual Christmas tree recycling fundraiser, Chip In for the Kids, took place last weekend and raised over $16,000 for Camp Shawnigan, a local summer camp for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities.

“The rain didn’t stop people from showing up, we had a great turn out again this year with over 1000 trees being recycled,” says Shannon Bernays, Manager of Community Partnerships at Easter Seals. “It’s a fun community event and with the help of volunteers from Competition Tree Service, Davey Tree Services and local Lions Clubs, we were able to raise much needed funds to support our overnight summer program at Camp Shawnigan.”

Over 1000 trees were dropped off at seven Vancouver Island locations from Victoria to Duncan, including Shawnigan Lake and Mill Bay.

“This fundraiser is in its 33^rd year, and we’re so thankful for the continued support and donations that come from our community, so that kids and adults with disabilities such as autism, Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy, can take a week away from their medical appointments and treatments, and have just a week of fun, summer camp activities,” adds Bernays. “It’s such an amazing week for our campers and we couldn’t do it without the donations and support that come from our community.”

Easter Seals will be running five weeks of overnight camp this July and August for children and adults with disabilities between the ages of 6 to 49. Registration opens online February 13^th and you can find more information or make a donation at www.eastersealsbcy.ca.