Empowering Abilities: The Easter Seals Approach to Building a More Inclusive Community

Photo © Courtesy of Easter Seals BC Yukon

Empowering Abilities: The Easter Seals Approach to Building a More Inclusive Community

A thriving community is like an intricate tapestry—the more diversity, the better. Our differences make us stronger, especially when there is a reliable lifeline for those who need additional support.

In British Columbia alone, over one million adults between the ages of 15 and 64 have a disability that limits their independence and quality of life—but this shouldn’t mean that they can’t feel empowered to be part of their community!

For over 75 years, Easter Seals BC/Yukon has been a lifeline for individuals with disabilities and their families. As a service of the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities, this beloved charity is on a mission to provide life-changing programs that foster self-esteem, independence, and community integration for people of all abilities.

It’s an important mission, but one that often operates in the background. You may recognize the colourful orca statues outside the Easter Seals on Oak Street, but how much do you know about what goes inside or how these incredible programs make a difference within your community?

From summer camps for children and adults with disabilities to providing affordable accommodation for families travelling to Vancouver for medical treatments, Easter Seals has touched the lives of countless people, and they’re showing no signs of stopping.

A Lifelong Impact

One of Easter Seals’ longest-running and most impactful programs is its fully accessible summer camps. Located at Camp Shawnigan on Vancouver Island, Camp Winfield in Kelowna, and Squamish, these camps cater to children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, providing them with a safe space to explore, learn, and have fun.

The camp programs include overnight camps, family camps, and even virtual camps, all available for ages six and up. Campers leave with a sense of self-worth and confidence, equipping them with new skills to take on their next challenge. Easter Seals camps are designed to be a place where every camper feels like they belong, building a sense of community and creating lasting memories. As one camper puts it, “These camps are where I became who I am. They gave me the courage to believe in myself.”

Another essential program is the Easter Seals House in Vancouver—a home away from home for families who must travel long distances for medical treatments—all too common for families in remote areas.

Finding a comfortable, affordable place to stay while managing the stress of a loved one’s treatment can feel overwhelming, but Easter Seals House makes it simple. Their 49 fully-equipped suites serve over 23,000 stays each year. Located blocks away from BC Children’s Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital, this safe and convenient accommodation provides a lifeline of relief for families. The common areas, outdoor garden, and playground create a sense of community, allowing families to connect and support each other through difficult times.

Just ask Diane, a mother who stayed at Easter Seals House for over two years while her daughter, Brooklyn, underwent extensive medical treatments. After Brooklyn was born with a cleft lip, cleft palate, and other serious health complications, Diane found herself far from home in Vancouver, facing the daunting reality of her daughter’s condition. But when she arrived at Easter Seals House late one night, she was welcomed with open arms.

“You can go in and feel at home,” Diane shared. “That’s the biggest thing. There’s no stress; you’re being taken care of. There are no worries. If you need help, they’re the first ones that are reaching out to you. It’s our second home, literally.”

Diane and her daughters became close with other families who were undergoing their own treatments and situations. Tragically, after over two years of treatment, Brooklyn passed away. But to this day, Diane and her other daughter, Christine, still return to Easter Seals House for Christine’s regular checkups. For them, the House remains a source of emotional support and healing. It’s a place where families like Diane’s can find hope in the hardest of times, knowing they are not alone.

Get Involved!

Easter Seals BC/Yukon has been transforming lives for decades, but they can’t do it alone. They rely on generous donations from people like you to keep their services running and to ensure families like Diane’s have the support they need. Every dollar raised helps fund programs, from the summer camps to Easter Seals House, and provides vital support to individuals with disabilities and their families.

To make a difference today, consider making a donation eastersealsbcy.ca and becoming part of the Easter Seals community.