Easter Seals NB Facts

  • The idea of using a seal to raise funds for charity was conceived in 1903.

  • It was in 1922 when Easter Seals was initially formed by 10 Rotary Clubs, the Easter Seals enfranchised members have continued to work at the grass-roots level across the country to elicit the on-going participation of millions of individuals to help make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities.

  • The first Easter Seal appeared in the U.S. in 1934. The seal is used at Easter time as the Easter story of resurrection coincides with the rehabilitation of children. Like the Easter theme of new life, rehabilitation of children with disabilities creates a physical, mental and spiritual rebirth.

  • The 1934 seal in the U.S. was red, orange and black and featured a white cross on an orange background with an illustration of a disabled child.

  • The Easter Seal was introduced in Canada in 1945 and was distributed in Alberta. In 1946, British Columbia issued its own Easter Seal, with Ontario following in 1947. A national seal was developed for use across Canada and issued in 1949. Since 1949 all 10 provinces have used the same seal design.

  • The seal itself is a symbol showing support for children with disabilities. There is no monetary value placed on a sheet of Easter Seals, only the hope that the people of the community will support what Easter Seals dollars are doing for Easter Seal kids.

  • Easter Seals revenues are shared between local Rotary Clubs and the New Brunswick branch of the Canadian Rehabilitation Council for the Disabled. In this way, the money is spent directly in the local community where it is raised, and in support of the provincial activities of Easter Seals NB, which also benefit the local community in the end.