Easter Seals Canada - March/April 2020 E-Newsletter
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Easter Seals Canada
March/April 2020
Important Announcement About COVID-19
Dear Friends, Donors & Partners,
These are unprecedented times globally. COVID-19 has affected every facet of our lives. At Easter Seals Canada, our priority is the safety and well-being of our employees and their families, our volunteers, our clients, and that of our Easter Seals supporters across Canada.
Like you, we are closely monitoring the situation with regards to the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) and taking directions and guidance from the government and public health departments seriously.
At this time, our offices are closed, but our staff are still working from home to maintain service and communication via our website and online social media platforms.
During this difficult and challenging time, we must act to take care of each other and our community. When the time is right, we will be together again. In the meantime, we will stay connected digitally.
Stay well and in good health everyone.
Helpful Resources & Information About The COVID-19 Pandemic
Today, we find ourselves dealing with an unprecedented situation. The COVID-19 pandemic has been dynamic and intense for all of us in the past weeks. We have been asking questions and so have you. To help you get the answers you seek, please visit the Health Canada website, or your local public health department, for steps you can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Canadian Charities Appeal For Support From Federal Government
Easter Seals Canada has come together with over 150 other major Canadian charities in writing a letter to the Government of Canada to request for urgent financial support to prevent the irreparable collapse of the sector and the vital programs and services they provide for Canada’s most vulnerable people and families, due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis.
On A Positive Note...
In the midst of the fear, worry, and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, each day seems to bring news that’s worse than the day before. The cause for concern is justified. But, as in most tragedies and public health threats, there are reasons for hope and even optimism. Here are a few good news stories we want to share with you:
- We're in This Together: An important message about COVID-19 from some incredible, multi-talented friends within the disability community.
- Four people who have lived in isolation for years share words of encouragement.
- Coronavirus: How These Disabled Activists Are Taking Matters Into Their Own (Sanitized) Hands.
- Calgary window decorations spreading joy throughout neighbourhood.
What We've Been Up To
The 2020 Easter Seals Community Conference
Our inaugural Easter Seals Community Conference took place on March 11, 2020 at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto. The theme for this year’s conference was “Beyond Social Inclusion – Taking a closer look at the intersections of Employment, Education and Income Disparity for people living with disabilities.”
The Conference brought together community members, community organizations, government officials, businesses, educators/academics and students to discuss topics that are of concern to the disability community. These topics included Canadian accessibility standards, education, gaining & maintaining employment, social barriers and much more.
The Conference also included a plenary panel discussion and six expert speaker sessions. The presentations and a recording of the panel discussion are now available to view on the Easter Seals Canada website.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to our Presenting Sponsor, Amway Canada, and our VIP Sponsor, RBC Future Launch, for their ongoing support. We would also like to thank our other Conference Sponsors, Benefactors and Partners: Magnet, HearVue, Allegra and Booster Juice.
If you are interested in learning more, visit the Easter Seals Canada website and sign up for the 2021 Conference mailing list.
The Paper Egg Campaign Has Launched!
The annual #unstoppABLE™ Paper Egg Campaign is one of Easter Seals’ signature national grassroots fundraising and awareness initiatives and part of our “March is Easter Seals Month” celebrations. Funds raised through the Campaign enable Easter Seals to deliver a variety of programs and services in support of Canadians living with disabilities.
You can find Paper Eggs at a participating store or you can also make a online donation from the comfort of your own home! All donors making an online donation will receive an e-card! Visit www.paperegg.ca to learn more.
March Is Easter Seals Month!
Each year, Easter Seals celebrates “March is Easter Seals Month” in many provinces and communities in order to raise awareness of accessibility issues, the work that we do to support people and families living with disabilities and to thank and recognize our partners, volunteers and supporters. In recognition of Easter Seals’ vital contributions, many cities and towns have proclaimed March as Easter Seals Month in their jurisdictions and conducted events to celebrate the observation. The following are a few highlights:
AccessAbility Innovations Student Fair and Competition
The ‘AccessAbility Innovations Student Fair and Competition' is a new initiative developed by Easter Seals Canada. The competition, sponsored by Amway Canada and RBC Future Launch, challenged students between grades 10 to 12 in the GTA to come up with an idea, concept or proposal which could enhance the lives and experiences of people living with disabilities. Six finalist teams were invited to present and showcase their ideas to a panel of judges at the Easter Seals Community Conference. Read more…
Easter Seals Ontario Services
Easter Seals Ontario has launched a brand new services website designed to better serve kids with physical disabilities and their families. On this new site, you can find information about applications for Equipment Funding, the Incontinence Supplies Grant Program and the Top-Up Program. Read more…
Easter Seals Camp Horizons Team - Helping Neighbors!
During these uncertain times, it is important to look out for one another. Earlier this month, the Easter Seals Alberta's Camp Horizons team heard that some of their neighbours were low on food supplies, so they created some care packages and delivered them to those in the community with the most need. Read more…
Events & Campaigns
National Volunteer Week (April 19th - 25th)
From coast to coast, 12.7 million Canadians volunteer their time and talents each year in their communities and in support of charitable causes and programs they believe in. As part of National Volunteer Week, Easter Seals Canada thanks our many volunteers across the country for their contributions towards the vitality and strength of our communities and for supporting Easter Seals and individuals and families living with disabilities. The theme for this year’s National Volunteer Week is: “It’s time to applaud this country’s volunteers” so let’s roll out the red carpet and cheer them on.
Each year, Easter Seals Canada also honours and celebrates the contributions of a number of outstanding Easter Seals volunteers with National Volunteer Awards. The awards are presented to volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to our mission and vision through their volunteerism, time, passion and dedication to Easter Seals!
We look forward to announcing the winners of the 2020 National Volunteer Awards during National Volunteer Week starting April 19th. Visit our website or 'Follow' or 'Like' us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram so that you don't miss out on these announcements!
Red Shirt Day & National Accessibility Week
Each year, Red Shirt Day takes place on the Wednesday of National AccessAbility Week. This year, Red Shirt Day will take place on Wednesday, June 3rd and National AccessAbility Week will take place from May 31st - June 6th!
Established in 2017 by the federal government, National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is a time to promote and reflect on accessibility and inclusion across communities and workplaces and a time to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities. With the passing of the federal Accessibility for Canadians Act (ACA) in July 2019, National AccessAbility Week is now a legislated national event.
Red Shirt Day is an Easter Seals initiative that encourages people across Canada to wear red on the Wednesday of National AccessAbility Week. This is done in order to create a visible display of solidarity, to show support for persons who are living with disabilities, and to show a commitment to creating a fully accessible and inclusive society. Read more and sign up your workplace, school and community for Red Shirt Day…
Become a Monthly Donor
Monthly donations are a year-round reminder of the values you share with Easter Seals and our vision for a better future for children, youths and adults living with disabilities and their families.
Monthly donations also enable Easter Seals to plan ahead and offer more reliable and stable programs and services. Setting up a regular monthly gift is an easy and convenient way to have a significant and long-term impact on the work of Easter Seals. Your regular donation of $15, $20 or $50 each month creates an invaluable resource of sustained funding for Easter Seals allowing our organization to invest money where it’s needed most and to plan ahead for long-term projects that will positively impact lives.
You can give monthly in any amount of your choosing and you may adjust your amount or cancel your donation at any time. As a monthly donor, you will receive one consolidated tax receipt following the end of each calendar year for your total year’s contribution.
Make a donation today, Join the Monthly Giving Club
For more information about becoming a monthly donor, please contact us at: (877) 376-6362 ext. 226 or afaria@easterseals.ca
National Partnership Opportunities
Through the generous support of our national partners and sponsors, Easter Seals continues to have a profound impact on the lives of children, youths and adults living with disabilities all across Canada.
We also invite corporations, businesses, organizations and researchers to reach out to us to explore community giving, sponsorship and other partnership opportunities.
Why Your Support Matters At This Time
Charities like Easter Seals are particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 crisis because we rely on a steady stream of donations, business support and government investments to survive. All of these revenue sources have been disrupted and are under threat. The COVID-19 crisis and the resulting economic fallout is threatening to quickly destroy Canada’s charitable sector. Without immediate support from the community, we will no longer be able to help vulnerable people living with disabilities who rely on us to provide financial assistance and accessible and adaptive programs and services.
Changing lives requires raising awareness and funds to support our vision and programs. Community involvement is key to our success – We need your help now more than ever. Your generosity has never been more important to Easter Seals and we thank you.
Interested in becoming a National Partner of Easter Seals?
To discuss partnership opportunities, contact Easter Seals Canada at partnerships@easterseals.ca or Toll Free Tel: 1-877-376-6362
Our Impact: Easter Seals Participants & Beneficiaries
Nathan’s Story
Before Nathan even entered this world, doctors knew he was going to have some struggles. While pregnant with Nathan, his mother Lauren was back and forth between the Easter Seals House (Vancouver, BC) and the hospital. Soon after Nathan was born, he experienced kidney failure and required dialysis treatments. After a few more months at the Easter Seals House, doctors decided to train Lauren on how to administer the treatment herself. After a week of training and practicing, Lauren and baby Nathan were sent home and, for two years, Lauren hooked Nathan up to his dialysis machine every day. When Nathan was two and a half, he received the good news that a kidney was available for him. Read more…
If you wish to help kids like Nathan and their families, visit our website to make a donation today!
Do you have your own story of how Easter Seals has positively impacted you and your family? We would love to hear from you!
Reach out to us at partnerships@easterseals.ca
Other Accessibility News
- 5 Things To Know About Coronavirus And People With Disabilities: Forbes outlines why people with disabilities and chronic illnesses face additional risks and anxieties. Read more…
- Making Sure The Message Gets Through: Interpreter translates news conferences on virus into sign language: Read more…
- Mum Of 3 Special Needs Children Highlights Why It Is Important To #StayInside: “When they get sick, it’s not like when you or I get sick”. Read more...
- People Living With Disabilities Have A Unique View When It Comes To Solitude: Read more...
- What Is #AccessibilityForAbleds And Why Does It Matter? Telecommuting for workers and students has quickly been made available to the masses. The disability community have been fighting for the same rights for years. Read more…
- April 2nd Was World Autism Awareness Day: On this day, people worldwide are encouraged to learn more about the Autism Spectrum Disorder and show support for people who have Autism. Read more...
- Why Netflix's 'Crip Camp' Is A Landmark For Disability Representation On Screen: Read more…
- March 21st Was World Down Syndrome Day: Read more…
