Special Web Announcement
ROGERS FAMILY FOUNDATION SUPPORTS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IMPACTED BY COVID19
Toronto, ON (June 15, 2020) – The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the economy and our way of life, causing hardships for many Canadians across the country, especially our most vulnerable communities. Easter Seals Canada is pleased to receive a major gift from The Rogers Family Foundation, announced earlier today.
The gift from the Rogers family will enable Easter Seals and its provincial organizations to provide support and assistance to more persons and families who are living with disability/with diverse abilities, particularly those who have been impacted by the ongoing pandemic.
The gift will be directed towards several areas of high needs that will directly support individuals and families who are living with disability, such as:
- Financial assistance for mobility equipment and accessibility devices/aids
- Online services to reduce social and physical isolation, and promote mental health and well-being
- Educational scholarships and bursaries
“Our father, the late Ted Rogers, was a proud Canadian. He always worked to make Canada better and make our communities stronger” – Melinda Rogers-Hixon, Deputy Chair of Rogers Communications
According to Dave Starrett, President and CEO of Easter Seals Canada, “Like many other charities, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected our ability to raise donations through fundraising events and activities, and subsequently, limited our ability to support individuals and families that are living with disability. We are immensely grateful for this timely gift from The Rogers Foundation as it will enable us to provide critical support and assistance to those in need and most impacted by COVID-19, so that they do not fall through the cracks and are able to get the vital accessibility equipment and support services that they require in order to be safe and healthy, and to be able to communicate, move around and remain connected.”
Related Information
According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability:
- 22% or approximately one in five Canadians aged 15 years or older identify as living with a disability.
- Persons with disabilities face lower employment rates and lower levels of income compared to other Canadians
- 6 million Canadians with disabilities were unable to afford required aids, devices, or prescription medications due to cost.
About Easter Seals Canada
Easter Seals is one of Canada’s largest local provider of programs, services, and issues-leadership and development for the disability community. Since its establishment in 1922, Easter Seals Canada and its provincial member organizations have been working to create a more inclusive and accessible society that includes and honours the contributions and potential of Canadians of all abilities. Easter Seals responds to the needs and aspirations of Canadians living with disabilities – and their families – by providing a range of services that enhance their independence, well-being and quality of life; and by offering leadership that promote increased awareness, research and investment in disability issues.
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For Media Enquiries, please contact:
Ana Maria Faria
afaria@easterseals.ca
Tel: 1877376-6362 ext. 226
Easter Seals Canada: Helping Canadians living with disabilities be #UNSTOPPABLE®.
