Last June 16, on the occasion of its annual general meeting, the Quebec Society for Disabled Children / Easter Seals Quebec bestowed the title of Personality of the year 2010 to Hubert Blanchette.

The Society wished to underline the accomplishments of a child whose outstanding work of the past several years is almost too much for us to understand fully.

“After spending six years with us, Hubert has learned to talk, to eat, to walk, and to make friends… above all, he will have definitely marked our lives,” confided the Director of the Papillon Daycare, Mrs. Chantale Théroux.

Indeed, it was Hubert who sparked off the Society’s stimulation centre, Jardin des Papillons and, later on, the new Papillon Daycare. He also displayed remarkable commitment, and was a great ambassador for the Society on many occasions.

The tribute paid to Hubert at the Society’s annual general meeting preceded the one paid by the educators and parents during a special ceremony where Hubert and several other daycare children were awarded the Society’s highest title, Graduates of the Papillon Daycare.

Hubert is leaving us for good at the end of the summer 2010. You see, he has won the first great great victory of his young life: next September, he will attend a regular school; the first in a series of accomplishments to come.

Paul Scholefield prepares for the torch relay.

Easter Seals BC / The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities is excited that past and present BC Easter Seals Campers were Torchbearers in 2010 Paralympics Torch Relay in Vancouver.

Paul Gauthier, past Easter Seals ‘Timmy’, Easter Seals Camper and gold medalist Paralympian was given the honour of being the first Paralympic Torchbearer to run the first leg of the 24 Hour Paralympics Torch Relay in downtown Vancouver. Paul was not the only Easter Seals Camper to participate in the 24 Hour Torch Relay.

Sarah Cheung, newly named Easter Seals Ambassador and Easter Seals Camper, also carried the torch down Robson Street in Vancouver. For Sarah, being a Paralympic Torchbearer was a proud accomplishment that she got to share with her friends, family and some of her counsellors from BC Easter Seals Camp Squamish.

Eighteen year old Easter Seal Camper and past Easter Seals Ambassador, Paul Scholfield also ran with the Paralympic torch. His mother, Alison Scholfield will always remember this as a “priceless experience” for Paul because it gave her son a newfound sense of confidence.

Best friends Grace Brulotte and Katie Gibbs, who attend Easter Seals Camp Winfield, had the opportunity to share their experience as Paralympic Torchbearers together. Their torches ‘kissed’ as they passed the flame to one another. They will always remember this unique experience and special day that they shared.

The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities is proud of all our Paralympic Torchbearers; we hope that this experience will continue to empower them for years to come.