News

Springbank Middle School Partners with Easter Seals Camp Horizon in Community Service Project

linda — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:35:28 GMT

For Immediate Release

Calgary, AB - Springbank Middle School students, Madison Michiels, Keely Anderson and Alexa Toews -Team Helping Hands- have partnered with Easter Seals Camp Horizon to help raise money and awareness through community service project Destination ImagiNation - the world's largest non-profit creative problem solving organization.

Each year Destination Imagination issues several challenges based on science, fine arts, technical, improvisation and community. Team Helping Hands chose a community-based project, allowing them to identify a need in the community and create a project to address that need. "Easter Seals Camp Horizon is in our community. When we visited the Christmas Camp, we became very attached to them,” said Team Helping Hands. With Easter Seals Camp Horizon onboard, Team Helping Hands went to work contacting companies to raise funds for the cause.

Camp is run almost entirely by volunteers, with only a handful of paid employees. People with disabilities and special needs enjoy this non-judmental experience.They’re treated like everybody else and are surrounded by people just like them. For many campers, Camp is their only vacation and a welcome respite for their caregivers.

Camp was built in 1965 just outside of Bragg Creek, Alberta. It has been patched together over the years by dedicated volunteers and is currently in need of major renovations. Team Helping Hands' goal is to raise $25,000 for Camp – with ½ going to updating and renovating, while the other ½ provides a 50 percent subsidy for those wanting to attend camp.

To donate to the Destination Imagination project contact:

Virginia Wong - Team Manager

Ph: 403 701-1888

Email: whsfhoh%60%2CvnofAri%60v/b%60%21

For more information on Easter Seals Camp Horizon contact:

Anna Garcia - Director of Operations

Ph: 403-949-3818 (work) 403-690-3098 (cell)

Email: %3Drq%60o%3F%60oo%60Ad%60rudsrd%60mr/%60c/b%60%3D.rq%60o%3F

Christmas joy abounds for adults with disabilities and special needs at Easter Seals Camp Horizon

linda — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Bragg Creek AB – For over 30 years, Easter Seals Camp Horizon has been the home away from home for 50+ adults with physical and developmental disabilities from Dec 23 to 26. There’s nowhere else these adults would rather be during the holidays. For many, it’s the only place they can go when group homes close and personal support workers take Christmas vacations.

Camp’s Christmas program includes sleigh rides, spa treatments, karaoke, giant jenga, bowling, adaptive sledding, baking, crafts, bonfires - and of course a turkey dinner and dance. The event is made possible by a team of volunteers, along with our amazing Camp staff. Camper smiles and joy are infectious, reminding us of what’s really important this time of year.

"We’re looking forward to this year's Christmas Camp. It's truly a unique and inspiring event, where volunteers spend their holidays helping others, and campers with disabilities celebrate the most festive time of year with friends," said Anna Garcia, Director of Operations at Easter Seals Camp Horizon.

Easter Seals Christmas Camp invites volunteers from across Canada to spend their holiday time with people most in need. In return, they’re rewarded with a memorable and magical experience.

Easter Seals Camp Horizon has brightened the lives of over 100,000 Albertans with disabilities and special needs since 1965.

For more information contact:

Anna Garcia
Director, Operations
Ph: 403-949-3818 cell: 403-690-3098 home: 403-949-3098
Email: anna@easterseals.ab.ca

Easter Seals Kids Thrilled to Be Guests at Avril Lavigne Concerts

patti — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:36:21 GMT

Across Alberta - Easter Seals is pleased to announce that Avril Lavigne has made 10 seats available at each of her 16 shows across Canada this fall. Youth ambassadors and their siblings will be treated to a great evening courtesy of Avril. In Alberta the concerts take place October 10th at Rexall Place in Edmonton, and on October 11th at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary.

Susan Boivin, CEO, Easter Seals Alberta said, “We are very fortunate across the Canadian Easter Seal organizations to be a charity of choice through the Avril Lavigne Foundation along with our sister organization Easter Seals US. We look forward to the opportunity to build awareness of her support of kids with disabilities and our youth ambassadors are just so excited to be attending her shows.”

For more than 60 years, Easter Seals Alberta has been dedicated to helping children, youth and young adults with disabilities and special needs achieve their full individual potential and future independence. Easter Seals Alberta funds disability solutions through financial assistance, recreational and respite programs, residential services, equipment provision, public and consumer education.

For more information or to donate please visit www.easterseals.ab.ca or call 1.877.7EASTER (1.877.732.7837).

-30-

For more information, please contact:
Susan Boivin, CEO - Easter Seals Alberta
Ph. 403-235-5662
Fax: 403-248-1716
e-mail: susan@easterseals.ab.ca
Website: www.easterseals.ab.ca
Avril Lavigne Foundation: http://www.theavrillavignefoundation.org/

One Day - One Office Tower - Only One Way Down!

Audrey Besse — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:53:33 GMT

Superheroes to Descend in Downtown Calgary!

100 Superheroes take the leap and rappel 30 stories at the Easter Seals Drop Zone

Calgary AB – One week from today, on September 8, 2011 an elite group of brave participants will face their fears and descend 30 stories from the roof of the Sun Life Tower (144 - 4^th Avenue S.W.) into the streets of downtown Calgary, all in support of Easter Seals.

Up to 100 participants will rappel between 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM dressed as their favorite Superhero. Friends, family, work colleagues and interested spectators are welcome to take in the excitement of the rappels from the safety of the ground at the corner of 1^st Street and 4^th Avenue S.W.

Anyone can support this worthy cause - simply text the word EASTER to 45678 to make a $5.00 donation and support children and adults living with disabilities in Alberta.

“It’s Calgary’s turn to take the challenge and highlight its adventurous spirit and commitment to helping those in need”, said Susan Law, CEO of Easter Seals Alberta. "Our participants are definitely going out of their comfort zones to courageously perform this daunting challenge - all for a great cause."

All participants have undergone specialized training in the weeks preceding the event and each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $1,500 in pledges to support Easter Seals. Funds raised during the event will support children and adults with disabilities and special needs in Alberta through equipment, recreational and residential programs in Alberta.

Presented by the Canadian Real Estate Investment Trust (CREIT), the National Founding Sponsor, the Easter Seals Drop Zone is one of the most talked about and memorable fundraisers in cities across Canada.

Local sponsors include The Crux Climbing and Bouldering, Evolution Presentation Technologies, OPUS Corp., The Kinsmen Club of Calgary, McDonalds Restaurants, Canada Safeway and the Delta Bow Valley.

For more information on this exciting event, please visit: www.thedropzone.ca.

Event Details

Media & spectators are welcome

Who: The Easter Seals Drop Zone

What: A fundraising event where 100 Superheroes will rappel down the Sun Life Tower

When: September 8^th, 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Where: The West tower of Sun Life Plaza, 144 - 4^th Avenue S.W.

Why: To support Easter Seals programs and services

For more information, please contact:

Audrey Bessey - Event Manager

Easter Seals Alberta

Ph. 403-235-5662 ext. 215 Fax: 403-248-1716

E-mail: %3DRQ@O%21ruxmd%3C%23GNOU%2CRH%5BD%3B%2101qu%23%3F%3DGNOU%21g%60bd%3CU%60inl%60%3F%60tesdxAd%60rudsrd%60mr/%60c/b%60%3D.GNOU%3F%3D.RQ@O%3F

Kevin Karius Easter Seals Golf Classic Reaches $1 Million Over 20 Years

Jodi Zabludowski — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:53:51 GMT

September 1, 2011

EDMONTON – On Wednesday, August 24, 2011, Easter Seals Alberta celebrated the 20th year of the Kevin Karius Easter Seals Celebrity Golf Classic at the Belvedere Golf and Country Club.

This year 165 golfers participated and enjoyed a beautiful day of golf in support of Albertans with disabilities and special needs. Kevin Karius, honorary chair, is pleased that this tournament has been in the community for 20 years. Media and sports celebrities joined each team to make the day very exciting for all involved. Kevin Karius, with the help of his friends and supporters raised more than $91,000 which brought the cumulative total of this tournament to over $1 million dollars. “A big thanks to the participants, celebrities, valued sponsors and committed volunteers for their wonderful support”, says Kevin Karius, Sports Anchor, Global TV. “Wonderful donations have been made to ensure the success of this excellent fundraiser for Easter Seals Alberta”. Proceeds go to help provide equipment for Albertans with disabilities, such as power wheelchairs, scooters, van and porch lifts, as well as Easter Seals Camp Horizon and Easter Seals McQueen Residence.

For more information, check out our website: www.easterseals.ab.ca or contact Darla Zuk, Events Manager, at 780.429.0137, Ext 308.

-30-

Contact Information:
Darla Zuk                                           Jodi Zabludowski
Events Manager                                  Director, Operations
Easter Seals Alberta                            Easter Seals Alberta
Phone: 780.429.0137, Ext 308             Phone: 780.429.0137, Ext 307
Cell: 780.267.0707                             Cell: 780.914.5951

www.easterseals.ab.ca

Revealing New Accessible pool for Easter Seals Camp Horizon

Julie — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:58:00 GMT

July 18, 2011

Easter Seals Camp Horizon Pool Party

A little over 100 guests joined campers and staff at Easter Seals Camp Horizon to celebrate the opening of the new pool at Easter Seals Camp Horizon.This was no small event! Campers have been waiting for years for the fundraising to be done and then the pool to be constructed. The therapeutic aspect of being able to move freely in water has restorative benefits as well as overall health benefits for the campers with disabilities and special needs. It’s one of the few places where they can be free of the equipment they need on dry-land, such as power wheelchairs. Special guests included provincial conservative leadership candidate, Ted Morton, the MLA for the Foothills, JC Anderson and his daughter, Susan as well as several other donors and supporters for Easter Seals Camp Horizon.

Photo: 2011 Youth Ambassador, Eliza Neven-Pugh, enjoys water.

WHERE: Easter Seals Camp Horizon

(10 km southwest of Bragg Creek on Hwy 66)

WHEN: Monday, July 18, 2011; 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

For more information please contact:

Patti Brewin, Director Campaign

Easter Seals Alberta

Ph. 403-235-5662, Ext. 216

Mobile: 403-620-3712

patti@easterseals.ab.ca

Easter Seals Looks Forward to the 1st Annual “Shuck and Suck”

stephanie — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Media Release
For Immediate Release
June 30, 2011

EDMONTON – Easter Seals Alberta and Murrieta’s Bar and Grill are proud to present the first annual “Shuck and Suck” on Saturday, July 9th, 2011. Teams of two will compete in an oyster shucking contest to raise funds for the Easter Seals Drop Zone which takes place on Tuesday, Sept 6, 2011. The Drop Zone event provides the participant an opportunity to rappel down the side of the 29-story Sutton Place Hotel in support of an Albertans with disabilities and special needs. Executive Chef Brian Leadbetter, a former oyster shucking champion, is at the forefront of this “Shuck and Suck” charity event and knows it will be extremely successful for both Easter Seals and Murrieta’s. The event is a fun way to combine a passion for oysters with a passion for helping others. Easter Seals is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, self-esteem and self determination of Albertans with disabilities and special needs.

The “Shuck and Suck” will take place on Saturday July 9th from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm at Murrieta’s Bar and Grill, 10612 - 82 Ave. While there is definitely a strong structure to the event, it is ultimately designed for all participants to have fun and enjoy themselves. There will be 16 teams competing in 8 initial heats, with 4 teams moving on to 2 final heats. The prizing for this event is phenomenal, with first place being a catered dinner for 8 with wine and beer pairings, valued at $1000. To keep things even livelier, there is also a best team costume award – authentic Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle signed Oilers jerseys.

There has been a great amount of community support and sponsorship for this unique event. Several prominent food and beverage sponsors are involved, which will only serve to make the event even more successful in raising funds in support of the Edmonton Drop Zone. Fins Seafood & Sysco have donated all the oysters (which will also be available for non-participants for a $1 donation). Bacardi, Simmer Fine Wine & Spirits, and Creemore Springs Brewery will provide beverage pairings at the event.

The event is open to anyone with a love for oysters. The 1st Annual “Shuck and Suck” has already gained a great amount of interest from a wide range of people, and is sure to attract a lot of positive attention for Easter Seals and Murrieta’s. The goal is to bring people closer together, build strong relationships and have fun while making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and special needs, while raising funds for the 2011 Edmonton Easter Seals Drop Zone event.

For more information, contact Darla Zuk, Events Manager, at 780.429.0137, Ext 308.

-30-

Contact Information:

Darla Zuk
Events Manager
Easter Seals Alberta
Phone: 780.429.0137, Ext 308
Cell: 780.267.0707

Jodi Zabludowski
Director, Operations
Easter Seals Alberta
Phone: 780.429.0137, Ext 307
Cell: 780.914.5951

The Equipment Program at Easter Seals Alberta gets a Big Boost

stephanie — Thu, 19 May 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Community Initiatives Program provides a $60,000 grant.

Media Release
For Immediate Release
May 19, 2011

Edmonton, AB – The Equipment and Support Services Program at Easter Seals Alberta got a big boost to its equipment lending program thanks to a $60,000 grant from the Government of Alberta’s Community Initiatives Program.

“The grant will make a huge difference to our program by allowing us to serve more clients and reduce wait times for equipment,” says Jodi Zabludowski, Director of Operations. The grant will provide new equipment such as scooters, power wheelchairs, porch lifts and ramps for the loan pool program. Equipment in the loan pool is loaned out to individuals in need for as long as needed.

Easter Seals Alberta has been providing mobility and adaptive equipment since 1951 and is celebrating its sixtieth anniversary in operation. The original equipment program only provided for children who were crippled as a result of the polio epidemic, but later on the program began to provide for adults. Currently, there are over 600 pieces on loan out throughout the province.

“Easter Seals is just the sort of community organization that the Community Initiatives Program is meant for,” said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. “They have been active in the community for generations now, and have played an integral role in the progress that Albertans with special needs have made toward equality.”

The Community Initiatives Program (CIP) reinvests revenues from provincial lotteries to empower local citizens and community organizations to enhance and enrich community initiatives throughout Alberta.

“We are pleased to support Easter Seals and provide support to people with special needs in our community,” said Tony Vandermeer, MLA for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview.

For more than 60 years, Easter Seals Alberta has been dedicated to helping children, youth and young adults with disabilities and special needs achieve their full individual potential and future independence. Easter Seals Alberta funds disability solutions through financial assistance, recreational and respite programs, residential services, equipment provision, public and consumer education.

For more information on the Equipment and Support Services Program and other Easter Seals Alberta programs, please check out the Easter Seals Alberta website at www.easterseals.ab.ca.

-30-

For more information, please contact:
Jodi Zabludowski - Easter Seals Alberta
Ph. 780-429-0137
Fax: 780-429-1937
D%2Cl%60hm%21Kneh

(Left to Right: Jodi Zabludowski, Easter Seals Alberta, Tony Vandermeer, MLA forEdmonton-Beverly-Clareview, Tammy Bergen, Easter Seals Alberta.)

A New Roof at Easter Seals McQueen Residence

stephanie — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Stollery Charitable Foundation donates $50,000.

Media Release
For Immediate Release
April 27, 2011

Edmonton, AB – Easter Seals McQueen Residence will receive a new roof thanks to funding provided by the Stollery Charitable Foundation who donated $50,000. In addition, additional funding has been provided by the Associated Canadian Travelers, National Council of Jewish Women and the Rotary Club of Canada.

“We are pleased to support Easter Seals and provide support to the residents at Easter Seals McQueen Residence with disabilities and special needs,” said Scott Graham, Executive Director of the Stollery Charitable Foundation.

Work on the McQueen Residence roof will begin immediately. The residence needs its flat roof re-tarred and the peaked roof re-shingled. Susan Law, CEO, Easter Seals Alberta said, “This has been a long wait for the nine residents who live there, and they are grateful to all those involved.”

Opened in 1975, Easter Seals McQueen Residence provides a community based living experience to adults with physical disabilities with the support of 24 hour personal care attendants. Residents have their own room, but share kitchen, living and dining areas, and also share in the management of the residence. Residents gain invaluable experience preparing them for a potentially more independent lifestyle in the future.

For more information on McQueen Residence and other Easter Seals Alberta programs, please check out the Easter Seals Alberta website at www.easterseals.ab.ca.

-30-

For more information, please contact:
Jodi Zabludowski - Easter Seals Alberta
Ph. 780-429-0137
Fax: 780-429-1937
D%2Cl%60hm%21Kneh

Safeway and Easter Seals are Sending Kids to Camp

stephanie — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

2011 Campaign for Families Living with Disabilities launches at Safeway stores

Media Release
For Immediate Release
For March 31, 2011

Across Alberta - Easter Seals is pleased to announce that Canada Safeway will be raising funds during an in-store, month long national campaign to support Kid’s Camps across Canada. From March 31 to May 2, 2011, Canada Safeway customers will be able to make a donation in support of kids with disabilities and special needs, at store check stands.

“We are pleased to support Easter Seals and provide the opportunity to send kids to camp that may not otherwise have this opportunity,” said Renée Hopfner, Director of Community Investment and Corporate Social Responsibility, Canada Safeway Limited.

Susan Law, CEO, Easter Seals Alberta said, “We are very fortunate to partner with Canada Safeway in support of Easter Seals Camp Horizon located in Bragg Creek, for children and their families living with a disability or a special need. In addition to upgrading camp infrastructures Easter Seals will be able to continue offering unique camp programs and replace much needed equipment.”

Easter Seals Alberta funds disability solutions through financial assistance, recreational and respite programs, residential services, equipment provision, public and consumer education.

Through recreational experiences, (Kid’s camps) training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play in their communities. For more information or to donate please visit www.easterseals.ab.ca or call 1.877.7EASTER (1.877.732.7837).

Easter Seals Alberta and Safeway Campaign
When: March 31 through to May 2, 2011
Where: Participating Safeway retailers across the country
Why: To support kids with disabilities and special needs

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Susan Law, CEO - Easter Seals Alberta
Ph. 403-235-5662
Fax: 403-248-1716
D%2Cl%60hm%21Rtr%60o

Betty Kellsey, Public Affairs Manager Alberta - Canada Safeway Limited
Ph. 403-730-3513
D%2Cl%60hm%21Cduux

Easter Seals Kicks-Off their “Eggcellent” Paper Egg Campaign

stephanie — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Edmonton, AB – Easter Seals Alberta is proud to announce the kick-off of the Paper Egg Campaign with a goal to raising $80,000 from various retailers across Alberta. The Paper Egg Campaign runs from March 28 – April 24.

Customers purchase a Paper Egg for $2.00 at participating retailers which includes tb!s the bargain shop, Peavey Mart, and Singleton’s Hair Care, and proceeds go to Easter Seals programs helping people with disabilities and special needs. New participating retailers this year include Mac’s Convenience stores, various Canadian Tires, Campers Village, Kelsey’s Restaurant, and eight retailers on 118 Ave. In addition, this year Booster Juice locations all across the country are participating in the Paper Egg Campaign. “The Paper Egg Campaign encourages all of us to give a little and help a big cause,” said Jack Buley, President and CEO of tb!s the bargain shop. We are proud to be part of this community program since 2007. “If everyone gives, even the smallest donation can change lives.” The bargain shop has 43 locations across the province of Alberta. This year tb!s the bargain shop is opening a new location in Innisfail on Tuesday, March 29th.

Funds raised through this campaign will offer Albertans with disabilities the tools they need to strive for independence and achievement. For over 60 years, Easter Seals has assisted Albertans and their families, through the provision of mobility equipment and home and vehicle adaptations. Funds raised also help send 1,600 children with disabilities and special needs to Easter Seals Camp Horizon where campers are encouraged to overcome challenges they never imagined possible.

For more information or to donate, please visit www.easterseals.ab.ca or call 1.877.7EASTER (1.877.732.7837).

For more information, please contact:
Darla Zuk
Events Manager
Easter Seals Alberta
Ph. 780.429.0137 Ext. 308 Fax: 780.429.1937
D%2Cl%60hm%21E%60sm%60

Easter Seals 15-Year Old Youth Ambassador Gives Back to Community

stephanie — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Spring Campaign launches marking its 60th year of service to Albertans

Calgary, AB - Easter Seals Alberta officially kicked off the spring season today with the launch of its signature campaigns and a goal to raise $250,000 for Easter Seals kids. The 2011 provincial goal consists of $170,000 for the annual mail campaign and $80,000 for the Paper Egg campaign. The mail campaign will hit mailboxes around March 11th, and the Paper Egg campaign runs from March 28th to April 24th, 2011.

Elisa Neven-Pugh has been named as the 2011 Youth Ambassador for Southern Alberta. Every year Youth Ambassadors are appointed to represent Easter Seals and children across Alberta with disabilities and special needs. These individuals volunteer their time and educate others in their community with their life stories and high spirits.

Elisa is 15 years old and is in Grade 9 at Bow Valley High School in Cochrane. She lives with her parents, Sonja and Jay as well as her twin sister Josie.

Elisa and her sister were born three months premature and both weighed less than two pounds. As a result Elisa has spastic quadplegia Cerebral Palsy and cannot move without the aid of her wheelchair. She has undergone numerous operations and faces many challenges with her limited mobility. She is however, outgoing, adventurous, determined, cheerful and has an infectious laugh and smile. She enjoys many activities especially skiing, painting, hiking, singing, reading and daydreaming. Most of all she loves interacting with others of all ages and is wonderfully empathetic.

In the summer of 2010 Elisa attended her first Camp Horizon and revelled in meeting others with similar life circumstances. She had many adventures and felt a closeness to not only her campmates but also to the counsellors who took her into their hearts without reservation. She loved every activity especially the Giant Swing her stories and reminiscences are mostly of all her friends from camp who “see the person not the chair”.

Elisa has a strong desire to become an advocate for disabled rights and feels very privileged to be named the 2011 Easter Seals Youth Ambassador. She is very excited to help promote not only recreational programs for kids of all abilities but the understanding and acceptance for those same children as well.

"Elisa’s positive attitude and her selfless efforts to give back to her community and share her story in order to help others in need is motivational,” said Susan Law, CEO of Alberta Easter Seals. "She is an inspiration to all children and youth in Alberta and it is for this reason we are honoured to name her the Easter Seals Youth Ambassador for 2011."

Easter Seals is also gearing up for their upcoming Paper Egg Campaign, where customers at participating retailers of The Bargain! Shop, Peavey Mart and Booster Juice stores across Alberta are encouraged to purchase a colourful $2.00 paper egg in support of Easter Seals kids.

"The Paper Egg Campaign encourages all of us to give a little and help a big cause," said Law. "If everyone gives, even the smallest donation can change lives." Funds raised through the spring campaigns will offer Albertans with disabilities the tools they need to strive for independence and achievement. For 60 years, Easter Seals has assisted Albertans and their families through the provision of mobility equipment, communication devices, and home and vehicle adaptations. Funds raised will also help send over 1,600 children with disabilities and special needs to Easter Seals Camp Horizon where campers are encouraged to overcome challenges they never imagined possible.

Last year more than 221 Albertans of all ages were provided with more than $368,000 worth of equipment to extend their independence and mobility. The need for mobility equipment is ongoing. Easter Seals Alberta provides solutions that changes lives and requests continue to come in every day.

Albertans can support Easter Seals through the Paper Eggs Campaign, the historical Easter "Seals" mail campaigns, or by attending the Easter Seals We Care Ball on April 15th, and at Canada Safeway stores during March 28th through May 2nd, 2011.

For more information or to donate please visit www.easterseals.ab.ca or call 1.877.7EASTER (1.877.732.7837).

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Rösch
Marketing & Public Relations
Easter Seals Alberta
Ph. 403.235.5662 Ext. 215
Fax: 403.248.1716
D%2Cl%60hm%21Rudqi%60ohd

Easter Seals Celebrates 60 years of Service at City Hall & Announces New Youth Ambassador

stephanie — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Media Release

Edmonton, AB – Past and present supporters will attend an Easter Seals 60th anniversary celebration on March 1st from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 am. Provincial and municipal officials will be on hand at City Hall (main foyer) to mark this wonderful milestone for Easter Seals Alberta. There will be a special 12 foot banner that everyone is invited to sign to commemorate this auspicious occasion.

Adam Thompson, the 2010 Ambassador, will “pass the torch” to the new youth Ambassador Melissa Pickle to celebrate Spring and the annual seasonal campaigns in support of Albertans with disabilities and special needs.

Melissa is 16-years old and attends the Community Learning Skills Program at Hardisty Jr. High. She lives with her mom Donna, dad Laine, and older sister Alysha.

Melissa was born with hydrocephalus and, as a result, is globally developmentally delayed. This means she faces both physical and mental challenges. She also had her spine fused due to severe scoliosis which has reduced her range of motion. Melissa loves to talk and is able to walk independently, but uses a walker for longer distances or on uneven terrain.

Due to Melissa’s challenges, she is not able to attend a regular summer camp. Attending Easter Seals Camp Horizon allowed Melissa the opportunity to experience all the fun and friendships of going to camp. Her time at camp also gave her parents a week of respite where they could relax knowing that Melissa was not only having fun, but also being very well cared for by the wonderful staff counsellors.

Melissa chose to become the Youth Ambassador for Northern Alberta to help improve awareness of all disabilities to not only make it possible for children of all abilities to participate in community programs, but also to make them feel welcome.

“We are so fortunate to have organizations like Easter Seals who make it possible to have specialized camps like Easter Seals Camp Horizon. These camps allow children like Melissa to experience all the fun and excitement of going to summer camp and to participate in activities that they may otherwise never get a chance to experience.” - Donna Pickle, Melissa’s Mom.

“Melissa’s positive attitude and the opportunity to share her story in order to help others is motivational,” said Susan Law, CEO of Easter Seals Alberta. “She is an inspiration to all youth and young adults in Alberta, and it is for this reason we are honoured to name her the Easter Seals Ambassador, Northern Alberta, for 2011.”

Easter Seals Alberta will be “kicking off” the spring season with the launch of its campaigns and has a provincial goal of $250,000 for Easter Seals children and young adults.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Jodi Zabludowski
Director, Operations
Easter Seals Alberta
Ph. 780.429.0137 Ext. 307 Fax: 780.429.1937
Dl%60hm%21Kneh

Climb a Mountain and Help Change Lives

stephanie — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Saturday, July 17th, up to 200 heroic participants will summit a rocky mountain in order to send kids with disabilities and special needs to Easter Seals Camp Horizon.

Calgary, AB – On Saturday, July 17, hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts are expected to summit a mountain as a part of the Banded Peak Challenge fundraiser in support of Easter Seals Camp Horizon, helping people with disabilities and special needs. This bike and hike challenge will raise much needed funds for summer camp programs.

“This fundraiser is an easy way for people to show their support and help send kids to camp”, said Susan Law CEO, Easter Seals Alberta. "Our event is a truly unique experience, with participants climbing a mountain and taking part in a great adventure, all for a worthy cause.”

The event promises fun for youth, adults and families. The challenge takes place in Kananaskis Country and begins with a 13.5 km bike ride to the base camp of Banded Peak. From there, participants hike 5 km to the 9,626ft summit. Every year Easter Seals Camp Horizon provides over 1000 children with special needs exceptional camp experiences through an outdoor based approach. For most kids with disabilities or special needs such as cerebral palsy or diabetes, just getting though a day is like climbing a mountain. Participants can register by visiting www.bandedpeakchallenge.com.

Event Details

When: Saturday, July 17, 2010 Who: The Banded Peak Challenge for Easter Seals Camp Horizon presented by Lignum Interiors Inc.

What: Bike and Hike challenge to the summit of Banded Peak in support of Easter Seals kids Registration from 5:00am – 10:00am

Where: Little Elbow Recreation Area at the end of Hwy. 66 in Kananaskis Country, 30 km west of Bragg Creek, Alberta

Why: To help raise funds for Easter Seals Camp Horizon and Easter Seals’ kids.

Please visit www.bandedpeakchallenge.com or call 949-3818 for more information on this event.

For more information, please contact:

Anna Garcia, Director, Operations
Easter Seals Camp Horizon
Ph: (403) 949-3818 Ext. 22
D%2Cl%60hm%21@oo%60

For more information about Easter Seals Camp Horizon please visit www.easterseals.ab.ca

Safeway and Easter Seals are Sending Kids to Camp

stephanie — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT

2010 Campaign for Families Living with Disabilities launches at Safeway stores

Across Alberta - Easter Seals is pleased to announce that Canada Safeway will be raising funds during an in-store, month long national campaign to support Kid’s Camps across Canada. From March 28 to May 1, 2010, Canada Safeway customers will be able to make a donation in support of kids with disabilities and special needs, at store check stands.

“We are pleased to support Easter Seals and provide the opportunity to send kids to camp that may not otherwise have this opportunity,” said Renée Hopfner, Manager of Community Investment, Canada Safeway Limited.

Easter Seals Alberta funds disability solutions through financial assistance, recreational and respite programs, residential services, equipment provision, public and consumer education.

For more than 59 years, Easter Seals Alberta has been dedicated to helping children, youth and young adults with disabilities and special needs achieve their full individual potential and future independence. Easter Seals Alberta funds disability solutions through financial assistance, recreational and respite programs, residential services, equipment provision, public and consumer education.

Easter Seals Alberta and Safeway Campaign
When: March 28 through to May 1, 2010
Where: Participating Safeway retailers across the country
Why: To support kids with disabilities and special needs

For more information, please contact:
Susan Law, CEO - Easter Seals Alberta
Ph. 403-235-5662
Fax: 403-248-1716
E-mail Susan
Betty Kellsey, Canada Safeway Limited
Public Affairs Manager, Alberta
Ph. 403-730-3513
E-mail Betty