Est. 1947
1947
In 1947, the East Vancouver Lions Club saw a need in the community to help local families and began to help transport children with disabilities to medical appointments, school and other activities.
1952
By 1952, the Lions Clubs and other community leaders established the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities to help families and children with disabilities.
1955
The first Easter Seals House opens on West 10th in Vancouver with five units.
1968
The Society established their first overnight summer camping experience at Easter Seals Camp Winfield in the Okanagan for children and teens with physical and/or mental disabilities.
1972
The Society expands its summer camp program and opens Easter Seals Camp Squamish to service children and teens with disabilities from the Lower Mainland.
1977
The first of 23 annual Timmy’s Christmas Telethons is broadcast across BC in December bringing together Lions Clubs, the community, corporate supporters, and individual donors to raise funds in support of Easter Seals programs and services.
1978
First of 35 annual 24 Hour Relays For The Kids is held at Swangard Stadium challenging teams of runners to run relay style for 24 hours. It brought together Lions Clubs, the community, corporate sponsors and individual donors to raise funds in support of Easter Seals programs and services.
1979
Addressing a need on Vancouver Island, the Society opens its third summer camp for kids and teens at Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan.
1983
The Easter Seals House opens in Prince George to service northern families in need of short-term accommodation. Remain open for 30 years.
1985
A new Easter Seals House is built and opens in the heart of Vancouver with 49 self-contained units for families in need of short-term accommodation while obtaining medical treatment or care in nearby hospitals.
2000
The Victoria Easter Seals House opens its door and services Islanders in need of short-term accommodation for 12 years.
2003
Over the next 10 years the Art in the City fundraiser became a highlight in Vancouver. Various sculptures from orcas, bears, eagles to the Terracota Warrior were designed by local artists, put on display in Vancouver and then sold to raise funds.
2011
Timmy’s Christmas Telethon returns on Shaw TV for five years promoting and helping to raise funds to support Easter Seals programs and services.
2014
300 volunteers and countless donors give Camp Winfield a half million dollar makeover surprise. Spearheaded by board member Rob Ellis, over 212 projects were completed that included everything from a fresh coat of paint to a new amphitheatre, plumbing and electrical work.
2017
The Society begins a new strategic plan to “Reimagine” its programs and services by broadening its mandate to enable abilities and support persons with disabilities of all ages.
2018
The Society celebrates its 50th year of Camp Winfield.
