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Easter Seals Canada

Inspired by the formation of the National Society for Crippled Children ( later Easterseals ) in the US three years earlier , Easter Seals in Canada had its beginnings in the province of Ontario on November 28 , 1922 , when 10 representatives from seven Rotary Clubs throughout the province came together to form the Ontario Society for Crippled Children ( later Easter Seals Ontario ). As was the case with their US counterpart , this organization ’ s concern was the lack of services and resources available to children with physical disabilities , and its goals were to ensure adequate treatment and raise public awareness about the needs of these children .
Over the next 34 years , similar organizations that would eventually become part of the Easter Seals family were established across Canada . In 1937 , the Ontario Government turned to Easter Seals for expert assistance following a devastating poliomyelitis ( polio ) outbreak . That same year , Easter Seals in both Ontario and Nova Scotia opened the first Canadian adaptive camps for children with physical disabilities .
Today , Easter Seals and its ten independently governed provincial affiliate organizations have offices and provide programs and services to people living with disabilities in provinces and territories all across Canada , and plans are well underway to celebrate Easter Seals ’ 100th anniversary in 2022 .

Easter Seals British Columbia and the Yukon

Adult and Parent Programs : Learning and Respite Opportunities and programs for both parents and caregivers , and for adults with disabilities , to connect , learn , and have respite . Throughout the year , there are workshops on topics like finance , and parent nights to discuss current challenges and provide connection with each other .
Easter Seals House : Since 1955 , families from all over BC and Yukon have stayed at Easter Seals House while their child or loved one receives care and treatment at nearby medical facilities . Easter Seals House also has also provided a Respite Program for parents and caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Facility Rentals : Easter Seals has three locations with fully accessible facilities throughout BC , with beach-front property to secluded forests . Each site is ideal for conferences , school groups , church groups , weddings , outdoor education , weekend retreats , day programs and family reunions . All locations are available to rent throughout the year , and rental dollars go directly to support Easter Seals Summer Camps for children and adults with diverse abilities .
Post-Secondary Educational Awards : A number of educational awards have been established and are available to help benefit youth with disabilities looking to pursue post-secondary educations . These awards are administered by the postsecondary schools , with information on criteria and eligibility available directly from the schools .
TM MD
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
www . eastersealsbcy . ca