News

The Equipment Program at Easter Seals Alberta gets a Big Boost

May 19, 2011

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.

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For more information, please contact:
Jodi Zabludowski - Easter Seals Alberta
Ph. 780-429-0137
Fax: 780-429-1937
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