How We’re Navigating COVID-19
How Are We Navigating COVID-19?
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.
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.
Summer Camps
Is Easter Seals still running its summer camp?
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.
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
What happens to my registration fee?
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
Will you have anything else to offer campers this summer?
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 interruption and later this year when the coronavirus is contained, public safety is restored, and social interaction returns.
We encourage you to help us help you by completing our survey so that you can be part of the outcome of how we support you in 2020. Please share your ideas on the types of programs and activities you would like offered now during the COVID-19 interruption (online/virtual options) and later this year in place of our regular summer camps.
I have some ideas on how Easter Seals can still be apart of my summer fun. How can I share those ideas?
We encourage you to help us help you by completing our survey so that you can be part of the outcome of how we support you in 2020. Please share your ideas on the types of programs and activities you would like offered now during the COVID-19 interruption (online/virtual options) and later this year in place of our regular summer camps.
Who should I contact if I have any further questions about Easter Seals summer camps?
If you have any questions about summer camp, please email Spencer van Vloten at svanvloten@eastersealsbcy.ca
Easter Seals House
Is Easter Seals House still accepting reservations?
No. The effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which is evolving by the hour, have already significantly curtailed our operations. 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.
How is Easter Seals House helping the community during this COVID-19 pandemic?
As our organization is unable to provide its regular housing service, and in an effort to provide a much-needed critical care resource in the community, we have entered into a partnership with Atira Women’s Resource Society. Atira Women’s Resource Society will utilize Easter Seals House for the next three months as a transition house for women and children fleeing violent homes.
In BC, and around the world, reports suggest that restrictions in movement, social isolation, coupled with increased social and economic pressures are leading to an increase in violence in the home. When women and children are ‘locked down’ in their homes with abusive partners, they are at much greater risk than ever before. During a time of such devastation, we are comforted and thankful that Easter Seals House can play a key part in the prevention and redress of violence against women and children which has increased as a direct result of the coronavirus health crisis.
Fundraising
What happened to the Paper Egg Campaign, and other fundraisers? When will they be rescheduled?
Unfortunately at this time, we, and several of our major retail partners, have decided to postpone the Spring Paper Egg Campaign to a later date. Other fundraisers organized by our amazing third-parties have also been put on hold.
How can I help?
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.
Other Services
Do you have any programs and services I can access now during COVID-19?
Yes. We have created a special webpage which includes a curated listing of links to trusted and reliable sources of information, resources and our updates. Click here for a list of all our resources.
I‘ve heard you’ve partnered with Rhodes Wellness College to provide counselling support. Can you tell me about this?
In order to support you and your family in more ways than ever before, we have partnered with Rhodes Wellness College to provide you with free or low fee counselling. Rhodes Wellness College is a professional counselling college where students fulfill the educational requirements to become Registered Professional Counsellors (RPC’s) with the Canadian Professional Counsellors Association (CPCA). The college specializes in incorporating emotional, mental, spiritual and physical wellness to help individuals resolve a wide array of issues including trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, difficulty in relationships, difficulty in employment, and more.
If you would like to receive counselling or coaching assistance, please send an email to counsellingcentre@rhodescollege.ca
