Easter Seals Ontario

Jeanette Minaker introduced Krista LeClair, a Rotarian with the Kingston Rotary Club, here today representing Easter Seals Ontario, Southeastern Ontario Office.  Krista began her career in the hospitality industry before transitioning her event planning skills to non-profit.  She is now the Senior Development Officer, building lasting relationships in the community she loves while coordinating numerous events to raise funds for local children and youth with physical disabilities.  Krista lives in the village of Rockport, close to Kingston with her husband and three year old twin daughters.

 

Krista enjoys visiting other Rotary Clubs to see how things are done differently and to take back suggestions and tips to her own club in Kingston.  Easter Seals was founded by Rotary, actually by ten Rotary Clubs in Southwestern Ontario where they saw a need, 95 years ago.  Easter Seals was created to support families with children under the age of 19 with disabilities.  There is very little government funding and much of the equipment is not covered at all.  Easter Seals provide financial assistance whenever possible and promote two children's camps -- Camp Merrywood and Woodeden Easter Seals Camp in London, Ontario.  These camps are fully accessible and encourage children to be independent and confident, away from their parents for the first time in many instances.  Krista is the only staff member at the Southeastern office and, therefore, relies heavily on volunteers and parents.  The additional cost to raise a child with a disability is $40,000 and sometimes, families are forced to stop work to care for their children or take them to medical appointments.  Easter Seals is focused on making sure children have opportunities, but also to support the whole family.  Providing a family with funding for a wheelchair accessible van has a huge impact on all the members of the family.

 

Nicole Mullins-Major is an Easter Seals parent of a 17 1/2 year old son, Jared who was born with cerebral palsy.  Easter Seals has been part of their family since Jared was two.  He is currently on his third manual wheelchair and second power wheelchair and a wheelchair ramp and deck has been built on their home and although Nicole says they are low needs in comparison to others, they are very grateful for the support of Easter Seals and admitted they couldn't do it without their help.

 

Krista spoke about current fundraising efforts, Easter Seals week April 24th - 28th, on CKWS with teams fundraising on-line.  To be aired three times daily, five times a week.  They will also be partnering with YMCA for an open water swim event.  Krista acknowledged the support from the Rotary Club of Belleville and the annual work done at Camp Merrywood and invited everyone to visit the camp on July 23rd for a BBQ.