Easter Seals BC/Yukon Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – April 9, 2020
Our hearts go out to you amid the devastation caused by the COVID-19 virus.
Nearly everyone is feeling the effects and stress of the coronavirus pandemic, but we know that one of our most vulnerable of people are those with diverse abilities. We acknowledge and understand this sector may be struggling more than others due to the loss of access to critical services and programs as a result of social distancing and isolation.
As you can imagine, in the middle of this global health emergency, how we deliver our programs in 2020 does have to change and adapt. Our goal is to use this time as an opportunity to enhance our program offerings.
We want to reassure you that our vision and commitment to you remains stronger than ever and we are dedicated to prioritizing the care, safety and well-being of our Easter Seals families and caregivers, employees, and partners. We acknowledge how difficult it is to be away from friends, resources and your communities and are seeking out new support options to help address the challenges of isolation and limited socialization.
We continue to monitor the coronavirus pandemic and will share important information and our ongoing updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience, cooperation and resiliency during this devastating time. Please stay healthy and be safe, and know that we are in this together.
2020 Summer Camps
It is with deep regret and heavy hearts that we tell you we are unable to run any of our camps in their usual format in 2020. The mandated closure of facilities, social distancing and home isolation, along with our inability to start staff training, a sudden decline in funding and the need to keep everyone healthy and safe, are some of the reasons.
We understand how disappointing this is for our campers and their families. Rest assured we are working hard on exploring our options and finding creative alternatives that could be offered now during the COVID-19 interuption and later this year when the coronavirus is contained, public safety is restored, and social interaction returns.
The changes affect:
· All four weeks at Camp Winfield
· All four weeks at Camp Shawnigan
· New Camper Weekend at Camp Winfield
· City Adventures Day Camp – Victoria & Vancouver
All deposits for camper registrations will be reimbursed immediately. It may be a few days before you see the $5 fee back on your credit card. If you have any questions about this process, please email Spencer van Vloten at svanvloten@eastersealsbcy.ca
Easter Seals House
Despite our efforts to explore multiple alternate options, and for reasons of health and safety, we had to make the very difficult decision to suspend our operations at Easter Seals House for approximately three months. As critical care resources are in great demand, we have entered into a partnership with Atira Women’s Resource Society who will temporarily use the facility as a transition house for women and children fleeing violent homes – something that has increased at this time.
Fundraising
There has never been a time where we’ve needed the strength, courage and power of our supporters more than today. It is critical that we continue to raise funds for our valuable programs and we are working to come up with creative ways to do so. If you, or anyone you know, is able, we invite them to please give today.
Resources
We know just how imperative it is that we all work together and do what we can to keep each other healthy and safe. We have put together a number of resources for parents, adults, youth and children to help navigate this challenging situation together.
