Easter Seals BC & Yukon is a trusted charity and established leader in supporting the disabled community. Since 1952, we have helped children and adults address life’s challenges and given them tools to build their self-esteem, self-confidence and sense of independence.
Our hearts go out to everyone amid the devastation caused by the COVID-19 virus. As we continue to monitor the coronavirus pandemic we will share important information and our ongoing updates as they become available.
On July 17, 2020, the Government of Canada announced a one-time $600 payment in recognition of the extraordinary expenses faced by persons with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Persons with disabilities will start receiving the one-time payment of up to $600 on October 30, 2020.
The payment information will be provided on the One-time payment to persons with disabilities web page once available.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of Easter Seals House, and also the 35th anniversary at our current location on Oak Street in Vancouver.
When the Lions Clubs formed Easter Seals and the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities, they recognized the need for people to have access to affordable accommodation when they traveled to Vancouver to seek medical attention for their children. They also saw the need to offer accommodation to indigenous folks who needed to travel to Vancouver for medical attention.
Funds were raised and in 1955 the first Easter Seals House was built. We’ve now grown to 49 suites and host over 32,000 room nights each year.
As we celebrate the 65th anniversary of Easter Seals House this year, we invite you to tell your story. We would love to hear how Easter Seals House has impacted you and your family.
Because of you
Our son Nathan is in a wheelchair and is pretty much dependent on others for his care. The first year of dropping him off at camp was a bit scary – we couldn’t help but wonder if anyone else could take care of him the way we did at home. When we returned a week later to pick him up there was no doubt that sending him to camp was the best decision we had made for Nathan. Nathan was full of stories and new experiences he got to try at camp – he was already talking about returning next year!
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In September 2020, over 50 participants became Superheroes at Easter Seals Drop Zone in Surrey when they rappelled down the Central City Office Tower and raised funds for persons with diverse abilities.
In September 2020, over 50 participants became Superheroes at Easter Seals Drop Zone in Vancouver when they rappelled down the Guinness Tower and raised funds for persons with diverse abilities.
RunSport Victoria Society had to make the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 TC10K. The health and safety of registrants, staff and volunteers is everyone’s top priority, and at this time, the BC Ministry of Health has informed that all events of 50+ must be cancelled.
The 2020 BMO Vancouver Marathon has been cancelled due to increased COVID-19 concerns and the recent directive from the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer to ban all public gatherings that exceed 50 people. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also stated organizations should ban events with 50 or more people through May 11, 2020.
The Provincial Heath Officer has issued an order for mass gatherings of people over 50 to be prohibited. This order is in effect until May 30, 2020. As the Oak Bay Half Marathon is on May 24 we will be temporarily suspending registration. We will review the situation in April and if the order is still in effect we will look at postponement or cancellation of the event. We thank you for your patience and support of the event and will keep you informed as the situation changes.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on November 6th for our annual cocktail party fundraiser benefiting persons with diverse abilities. Funds raised go directly to ensure more children, youth, young adults and families receive support, programming and life-changing experiences!
Make a difference
We rely on volunteers to
help us in many areas and
your gifts of time, energy
& experience are valued.
The hard work and activism of our volunteers is the cornerstone of which Easter Seals is built on. Their commitment, passion, teamwork and creativity make events, camps and all activities a success.
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