Tag Archive for: Easter Seals
Vancouver Island camp getting complete makeover
More children and youth with disabilities will be able to go to camp thanks in part to a $7-million grant from the Province of B.C.
“Going to camp is a fun-filled and life-changing experience that all children should have the opportunity to enjoy,” said Premier David Eby. “Yet many camps aren’t accessible for children with disabilities, and those that are fill up fast. That’s why we’re helping Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan update and expand its facilities. This will allow more children to experience the many benefits of camp while giving their families and caregivers the time they need to recharge their batteries.”
Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan, located along Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island, has been operating for close to 50 years, welcoming its first campers in 1976. Every year, more than 200 children and adults spend time at the camp, with equipment, programs and services designed specifically for their needs. By ensuring everyone’s social background and learning style are considered, the camp cultivates individual growth and provides campers with a fun experience that encourages development in life skills, self-confidence and independence.
“A stay at Camp Shawnigan has been described by many campers as the best time of their lives. They experience fun and friendship, guided by an amazing staff that provides compassion and high quality of care, making this a magical place,” said Mitzi Dean, Minister of Children and Family Development. “Through this grant, and with the support of community donors, Easter Seals can continue to provide these special experiences to campers during the summer and provide a modern, universally accessible venue for people with disabilities year round.”
The $7-million grant will allow Camp Shawnigan to upgrade its facilities, which are aging and in need of modernization, and become North America’s first purpose-built, year-round retreat for children, youth and adults with disabilities. The budget for the project is $25 million and funding sources will include private donations. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2025 with completion in 2026.
“I’m so excited to embark on this bold plan for the revitalization of Camp Shawnigan and I am so grateful to the Ministry of Children and Family Development for the incredible support,” said Lisa Beck, president and CEO of Easter Seals British Columbia. “This grant will allow us to push the boundaries of universal and inclusive design and improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of individuals living with disabilities. It will also enable the growth and future sustainability of our programs year round, while allowing us to offer services to other organizations, the corporate community and the community at large.”
Improvements to the eight-hectare lakefront property will include 10 new two-bedroom cabins with kitchenettes, a hotel style dormitory, a large community hall and a gym with an in-ground pool. Designed for people with visible and invisible disabilities, Camp Shawnigan will accommodate all people no matter their abilities, mobility or sensory sensitivities. Accessible landscapes, stunning vistas and environments built to be inclusive will create a sense of fulfilment and community for everyone.
Learn More:
To find out more about the Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan expansion, visit: https://campshawnigan.ca/
Over 1000 Christmas Trees Chipped for Charity
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 33rd 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 33rd 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 13th and you can find more information or make a donation at www.eastersealsbcy.ca.
Grade 10 Boys from St. George’s school put on charity concert
$16,640 raised for children with disabilities
December 6, 2022 – Vancouver, BC – Five students in Grade 10 at St. George’s School put on their second charity concert, raising $16,640 to help with an Easter Seals House room renovation project this year.
Harry, Michael, Owen, Samuel and Eddy have a passion for music and giving back to their community, and with the guidance of their music professors, they have all experienced the immense power of music and feel its potential to change the world for the better.
“Many children have met barriers to obtaining the resources and support they so desperately need, yet they aspire as much as we do to pursue their passion and be loved,” said all five boys. “We believe that with your help we can grow closer to a future where every child is given the opportunity to develop to their full potential.”
After successfully raising nearly $9,000 for Easter Seals in 2021, this year’s concert grew bigger, with five additional guest performers joining the boys on stage that was held at the Koerner Hall, and sponsored by Tom Lee Music, Steinway & Sons, and Vancouver Academy of Music.
“Everyone at Easter Seals is so appreciative for the amazing support, hard work and generosity from these wonderful five boys, their special guest performers, the wonderful student volunteers, Cathy and everyone involved. The concert is not only full of talent, but is so inspiring and heartwarming at the same time”, says Shannon Bernays, Manager of Community Partnerships at Easter Seals.
“The funds that this concert raises are going to Easter Seals House which is a home-away-from-home for people need a place to stay when they have to travel to Vancouver for medical care and treatment,” adds Bernays. “We have been providing this home for over 65 years and it continues to be an important and affordable place that many people and families need, in what can be a very stressful time when they arrive in Vancouver.”
In the spirit of the season, the boys are asking the community to consider a donation to Easter Seals House and make this special time of year a little more merry and bright for families.
Donations can be made at www.eastersealsbcy.ca.
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About Easter Seals BC/Yukon and BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities
Easter Seals BC/Yukon is one of British Columbia’s legacy charities and is operated by the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities (Society) to help individuals with diverse abilities. Since 1947, the Society has provided programs and services to families and persons with diverse abilities that help improve their quality of life. Over 75 years, the Society has helped over 1,000,000 families in need through transportation services, child health research, Easter Seals summer camps, Easter Seals House, post-secondary bursaries at seven regional colleges or universities, community access services, and patient care programs.
Media contact:
Jennifer Vasarhely, Marketing & Communications Manager
Easter Seals BC/Yukon
C: 604.551-8809
Fundraiser puts a spin on riding for charity
November 22, 2022 – Kelowna, BC – Local resident Michelle Webber put on her third Spin-A-Thon Fundraiser, taking part in all five spin classes in one day at her favourite spin studio, raising $16,850 for Easter Seals.
“I came up with the idea back in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. When we couldn’t get together to celebrate birthdays, I decided to turn it in to something good and raise money for a cause that is so close to my heart,” says Webber.
Raised with a sister with disabilities, Michelle knows firsthand the amazing impact that Easter Seals camps and services have, not only for a person with disabilities, but for their family as well.
“Every year, my younger sister would look forward to her week-long trip to Easter Seals Summer Camp. This was a place and a time where she would grow exponentially in areas like independence, confidence and social intelligence, among others,” adds Webber. “She had an amazing time and loved every moment of her time away.”
As an avid fitness and spin enthusiast, Michelle decided that she would ride all classes offered by PACE Spin Studio in one day and turn it into a fundraiser for Easter Seals. This year, the fundraiser grew in to a larger community event with her friends and community joining in.
Among the spinners were local Virgin Radio hosts, B Mack and Karly, who were excited to break a sweat in aid of such a deserving local cause. And, TWP Fitness joined in the event, donating a day’s profits from their food and beverage bar.
“Over 25,000 people use Easter Seals programming and services each year, and we’re dependent on fundraisers and donations from the community to keep them going,” says Webber.
In the spirit of the season, she’s asking the community to consider a donation to Easter Seals and make this special time of year a little more merry and bright for families.
Donations can be made at www.eastersealsbcy.ca.
One hundred and twenty golfers participated in 18 holes of golf at Black Mountain Golf Club, raising money for Easter Seals
Kelowna, B.C. (August 23, 2022): Easter Seals hosted its second annual Clubs for Campers Charity Golf Tournament this summer at Black Mountain Golf Club, raising $25,000 to benefit local families that access Easter Seals services.
Clouds and an unexpected tropical downpour didn’t dampen the spirits of golfers, volunteers and sponsors from having a great time and making the event a success. Presenting sponsor Century 21 Assurance Realty Realtors® came out in full force to support the event, along with 12-hole sponsors who set up fun activities around the course. Golfers were also greeted with live music by Libby Alyce, and enjoyed a welcome drink from Truck 59 Cider & Shore Line Brewing, poured by the amazing Tap Truck Okanagan.
“Our Century 21 Assurance Realty Realtors®, in Kelowna, were proud to be the presenting sponsor once again for the Easter Seals Clubs for Campers Golf Tournament,” said Anna Carbone, from Century 21 Assurance Realty Realtors®. “Community support is part of our culture. It is something we value greatly, so to see so many of our Realtors® volunteer their time and get behind this charity event in such a significant way, was incredible. We recognize the important work and support that Easter Seals provides families in our communities, and are thrilled to be able to support such a great cause.”
Funds raised go to Easter Seals Camp Winfield in Lake Country, a specialized week-long summer camp location for children, youth and adults with disabilities and their families who call Kelowna and the Southern Okanagan their home; as well as, to Easter Seals House which provides an affordable home-away-from-home for Kelowna residents facing unimaginable health challenges and need to travel to Vancouver for medical treatments.
“After a successful first year for Clubs for Campers in 2021, we really wanted to see growth for this event to know that we could make an impact year after year, and we were thrilled with the results. Not only did we raise more, but we saw some amazing return participants and sponsors, including our ever-supportive presenting sponsor, Century 21 Assurance Realty,” said Easter Seals Community Engagement Manager Michelle Webber.
“The excitement and enthusiasm of everyone involved in the tournament, despite the torrential rain, really showed us that we are an organization that people and businesses believe in. We want to say thank you to all those who came out and supported Easter Seals. It was a great day and we’re already looking ahead to hosting our third tournament next July.”
If you can’t wait until next summer, you can take part in Easter Seals’ next big fundraiser – Drop Zone – happening September 20, 2022. Take part and be one of over 50 people who will rappel 23 storeys down the Landmark 6 Office Tower in the Landmark District of Kelowna. Last year’s event sold out, so register for a spot soon at www.dropzonebcy.ca.
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About Easter Seals BC/Yukon and BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities
Easter Seals BC/Yukon is one of British Columbia’s legacy charities and is operated by the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities (Society) to help individuals with diverse abilities. Since 1947, the Society has provided programs and services to families and persons with diverse abilities that help improve their quality of life. Over 75 years, the Society has helped over 1,000,000 families in need through transportation services, child health research, Easter Seals summer camps, Easter Seals House, post-secondary bursaries at seven regional colleges or universities, community access services, and patient care programs.
Media contact:
Jennifer Vasarhely
Marketing & Communications Manager
Easter Seals BC/Yukon
E: jvasarhely@eastersealsbcy.ca
P: 604.551-8809
100 Men Who Care Cowichan Valley Donate to Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan
(Photo: Jaap Zwaan, Lisa Beck, Matthuw Ronald-Jones)
Cowichan, B.C. (July 26, 2022): Local chapter of 100 Men Who Care, Cowichan Valley, have picked their latest local charity to support, and this week, Matthuw Ronald-Jones, who nominated Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan, presented them with a cheque in the amount of $10,210.
“Easter Seals is an organization that has been in our community since 1976 when the camp first opened to serve children, youth and adults with diverse abilities on Shawnigan Lake. Each summer they host over 200 campers in a space that is inclusive and accessible, giving individuals with diverse abilities the chance to have a unique camp experience,” Ronald-Jones explains. “We see the impact that organizations like Easter Seals have on the families in the Cowichan Valley, and I’m so thrilled we could acknowledge their great work with a donation from 100 Men Who Care.”
100 Men Who Care is a philanthropic group of local men who are interested in supporting their community by contributing to charities together as a group to increase the donation impact. It’s designed to make an immediate and positive difference.
At each of the quarterly meetings, members nominate charities, three are chosen at random, and after a brief presentation, the members vote on which charity to support. Once the winning charity is announced, everyone writes a $100 cheque to that charity.
“We would like to thank Matthuw Ronald-Jones for nominating Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan and sharing our charity’s work with his fellow club members. He has been such a wonderful supporter of our organization,” says Lisa Beck, President and CEO of Easter Seals BC/Yukon. “It was a wonderful surprise to find out that we were the chosen recipient of their latest generous contributions. These men, who come together just four times a year, make such a big difference in their community, and we are so grateful for the support and opportunities that this donation will give our campers.”
The next 100 Men Who Care’s meeting will be held on September 12 where they will pick another local charity to benefit.
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About Easter Seals BC/Yukon and BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities
Easter Seals BC/Yukon is one of British Columbia’s legacy charities and is operated by the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities (Society) to help individuals with diverse abilities. Since 1947, the Society has provided programs and services to families and persons with diverse abilities that help improve their quality of life. Over 75 years, the Society has helped over 1,000,000 families in need through transportation services, child health research, Easter Seals summer camps, Easter Seals House, post-secondary bursaries at seven regional colleges or universities, community access services, and patient care programs.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER AWARDS 2022
The annual Easter Seals National Volunteer Awards – announced during National Volunteer Week each year – honours and celebrates the contributions of Canadians from coast to coast who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to Easter Seals’ mission and vision through their volunteerism, time, passion and dedication to Easter Seals.
Easter Seals congratulates all the recipients of the National Volunteer Awards for 2022, and thanks each individual for their contributions to Easter Seals and in helping make Canada a more inclusive society for people of all abilities.
Easter Seals also thanks all of our other volunteers for their dedication, commitment, time and contributions to Easter Seals and their support in advancing Easter Seals mission and vision to enhance the quality of life, well-being and independence of Canadians who are living with disabilities/with diverse abilities.
“Volunteers are a critical part of Easter Seals. Their passion and contributions, in various capacities, to the mission and success of the organization helps ensure that we are able to provide programs and services that make a positive, transformative impact in the lives of many individuals and families across Canada who are living with disabilities… especially during the COVID19 pandemic. We are incredibly grateful and thankful to our many volunteers across the country for their incredible generosity and contributions to Easter Seals, and their their unwavering dedication to helping make Canada a truly accessible and inclusive society for all.”
Dave Starrett, President & CEO of Easter Seals Canada
In BC our 2022 Easter Seals National Volunteer Award Recipient is: Sharon Hansen
We are delighted to present a 2022 National Volunteer Award to Sharon Hansen.
For over 20 years, Sharon has made an incredible impact and been a passionate advocate for children and adults with disabilities. Always gravitating to helping people, her first involvement with Easter Seals in BC happened when the youth group she was coaching was approached to perform at one of our Timmy’s Telethons, and it’s there where her interest in charity and community involvement began. Later on, she was instrumental in starting the North Vancouver Deep Cove Lions Club in 1999. Through this endeavour she was invited to an open house at Camp Squamish where she saw firsthand children with disabilities enjoying the camp. She was then invited to tour Easter Seals House, and after noticing the repairs and work that needed to be done on the House at the time, she hoped her club could help make a difference.
Her volunteer activities are as varied as her skills, and they include such things as hosting Easter Seals fundraisers like the most recently popular paper shredding events, personally selling paper eggs for the Easter Seals Month campaign, and establishing the Camp Improvement Committee for Camp Squamish.
Sharon has worked tirelessly not only as a volunteer through her Lions Club and a chairperson for her Lions district, but also now as an Easter Seals Board Member where her work on the Lions Committee has played a key role in re-establishing a partnership and awareness of Easter Seals with Lions Clubs across British Columbia.
Sharon is an absolute pleasure to work with and we know she is very deserving of the National Volunteer Award.
“It is an honour to be considered for this award.
It seems I was destined for volunteering and helping my community, and my role as a volunteer, as a Lion, and as an ambassador for kids and underserved communities has come full circle. My passion for kids has defined who I am.
I remember very well seeing the yellow Easter Seals buses running throughout Vancouver, I love sharing our best kept secrets like donating funds for the helipad at Vancouver General Hospital, and I am extremely proud of the Vancouver East Lions Club for having the initial vision that began our legacy.
One of my favourite memories is seeing the kids at camp playing outside and having so much fun. They are in a place where no one sees their disability and they are all equal, and that is just so heartwarming.
I look forward to celebrating the 75th anniversary of Easter Seals BC/Yukon this year, and am honoured to be a part of their history.” – Sharon Hansen
Calling All Easter Seals Alumni
Calling all Easter Seals Alumni! Whether a camper, a house guest, donor, volunteer, staff or family member we want to hear your story.
If Easter Seals has made an impact in your life we want to share your story for our 75th birthday. As an organization that’s been around for 75 years we know there are so many stories out there we haven’t even heard. Our goal this year is to collect as many of these stories as we can to share with future generations of Easter Seals family.
If you have a funny story or a great memory no matter how big or small please
reach out to jfines@eastersealsbcy.ca
