Easter Seals NB News
Easter Seals New Brunswick - Diamond Jubilee Awards
In Photo, from left: Diamond Jubilee Awardees; Dr. Bruce Lockhart (Board member Emeritus) and Keith Allen (Board member Emeritus) were congratulated by ESNB President Doug Bridgman and the Honorable Keith Ashfield, MP.
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal awarded to Easter Seals Board Members
The Honorable Keith Ashfield, MP, presented The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal to Easter Seals Board Members Emeritus: Dr. Bruce Lockhart and Keith Allen on Friday, February 1, 2013 at the Victoria Meeting Room in the Delta Fredericton. The occasion was well attended by Rotarians, family, friends and colleagues of the Awardees and the staff of ESNB.
Dr. Bruce Lockhart, a Family Doctor at Bath Medical Clinic, N.B. was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal for his years of dedicated service to improving the lives of those in our province with disabilities. Dr. Lockhart was an ESNB Board member from 1986 - 2012, serving 26 years. He helped launch the equipment loans program. He also held the positions of Board of Directors President, 2nd Vice President 1st Vice President and Past President. Dr. Lockhart was also the Rep on the Easter Seals Canada National Board for 15 yrs.
Keith Allen, a real estate/property Lawyer at McInnis Cooper, Fredericton, was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal for his outstanding efforts with Easter Seals NB. Mr. Allen has been a dedicated volunteer Board member for ESNB from 1994-2012, 18 dedicated years of service to improve the lives of those in our province living with disabilities. Positions held while on the Board were President, 2nd Vice President, Past President, and Nominating Committee Chair. Keith has accepted the title of Board Member Emeritus.
ESNB Celebrity Spokesperson Kathleen Gorey McSorley
Easter Seals New Brunswick is delighted to announce that local starlet Kathleen Gorey McSorley has accepted the position of "Celebrity" Spokesperson for ESNB.
Kathleen is a fast rising star; she is this year’s recipient of the Royal Conservatory of Music Gold Medal for Highest standing in the Atlantic Region for classical violin, class seven. Her latest CD "Ceol Binn" (Irish for Sweet Music) was nominated for the 2011 ECMA awards, Roots/Traditional Solo Recording of the Year. Kathleen also received two Music New Brunswick nominations for this CD; Traditional Roots Recording of the Year and Instrumental Recording of the Year. Kathleen has international experience, having returned to play in Ireland on several occasions as well as Scotland, Vienna and Salzburg, Austria (where she performed with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra), the USA and various parts of Canada.
"Easter Seals New Brunswick is honoured to have engaged such a talented, compassionate performer. Kathleen is an enthusiastic spokesperson and truly supports ESNB’s vision of 'Embracing Abilities'." said Easter Seals NB Executive Director Julia Latham.
Kathleen is most excited to share her passion for music with the kids, "I am blessed to be able to play music, dance and perform, but, the same as everybody else I have the ability to help others. That is why I’m so honoured to be involved with Easter Seals and their focus on abilities, not disabilities. To be alive is nothing, to live is everything. I can’t wait to help others have all the opportunities I’ve had and to live to the fullest as I’ve been fortunate enough to do.” says Kathleen.
ESNB is currently based in Fredericton. However, its programs and services, which are offered in both French and English, span the province. These services and programs include the Personal Services Program, the Equipment Assessment Loans Bank Program, the Assistive Technology Program, an equipment repair and maintenance service, and a toy library. Camp Rotary is managed and operated by ESNB, which is owned by the Rotary Club of Fredericton. This campsite, which is located beside Grand Lake, allows persons with disabilities to enjoy a barrier free camp experience each summer.
The goal of ESNB is to make sure that everyone in New Brunswick who lives with a physical disability can have the equipment, support and information they need to live well, work, and learn, ESNB works with partners and Government to raise awareness for the needs, challenges and opportunities of individuals with a physical disability.
The position of 'Celebrity Spokesperson' for Easter Seals New Brunswick is a voluntary unpaid position. Thank you, Kathleen, for caring and sharing your talent with people who have a disability in your community!
Irish Music Magazine will have Kathleen as their feature interview in the February 2012 issue.
Check out her website: KathleenGorey-McSorley.com
Century 21 Moncton making summer fun for everyone!
Century21 Countryside Realty Ltd. is committed to making their community a better place for everyone. Their charity of choice is Easter Seals NB, and in particular, their Kids to Camp Campaign; helping send children with disabilities to summer Camp. Recently they presented Easter Seals New Brunswick with a very generous cheque for $2000. The Easter Seals Kids to Camp Campaign funds children to attend Camp Rotary, a fully accessible residential camp on Grand Lake. The Century 21 offices are committed to giving back to their community by making sure every kid gets the chance to go to camp each summer.
The Century 21 Moncton team; pictured with Noah Folz the Ambassador of Easter Seals New Brunswick.
Century 21 sends Kids to Camp!
Easter Seals New Brunswick, Resource Development Coordinator, Helene Caplice and Noah Folz Ambassador for ESNB were in Woodstock, Monday July 11th to receive 2 generous cheques from Century 21's Linda Currie. The Fredericton and Woodstock Century 21 offices have been busy raising funds to help send children with disabilities to Camp as part of their Kids to Camp Campaign.
Woodstock's Century 21, All seasons Realty office, raised a wonderful $964.00 and the Fredericton Century 21, Capital River Valley Realty, gave a generous cheque for $210.00. The Easter Seals Kids to Camp Campaign funds the programs run at Camp Rotary, a fully accessible residential camp on Grand Lake for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities. The Century 21 offices plan many fundraising events throughout the year to make a child's dream of going to camp become a reality.
Pictured in the photo; Helene Caplice, Noah Folz and Linda Currie; Broker, Century 21.
Saturdays Open House at Camp Rotary, sunshine on a rainy day!
The Brand new accessible playground at Camp Rotary was officially opened during the Open House Celebrations.
Easter Seals camp staff made a huge effort to greet visitors warmly and entertained everyone with great energy through rain and storm. The celebrations had to be brought indoors due to the intensely wet conditions on Saturday June 25th, but despite the miserable weather, fun and laughter filled the afternoon. This year the theme for open house was Grease and the staff had spectators roaring with laughter.
Members of the Easter Seals Board of Directors attended and took part in the Accessible Playground grand opening ceremonies. A plaque was presented to the Rotary Club of Fredericton in appreciation of the generous sponsorship from N.B Regional Development Corporation, Ronald MacDonald Children's Charities and Cedar Lodge Seniors Trust Inc. It will be mounted on the arbour entrance to the playground. Visitor's and campers enjoyed the entertainment and the celebration feast that evening.
Special thanks from Easter Seals New Brunswick and the Rotary Club of Fredericton to all who attended braving the weather and to all the staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make this day a wonderful success.
Easter Seals Camp Staff entertain visitors and campers with a comedic performance of Grease.
Woodstock tb!s Honoured for Top Sales - Easter Seals Paper Egg Campaign
July 29th 2010- Easter Seals™ joins tb!s the bargain shop in honouring The Woodstock tb!s store and awarded 1st Place National - Platinum Egg Winner. The tb!s store in Woodstock raised $ 5,456 during the Easter Seals Paper Egg Campaign, which ran four weeks from March 4th to April 8th, 2010. tb!s continued fundraising with an in-store coin box campaign that ended May 1st.
All funds raised support Easter Seals programs and services that provide active living opportunities and adaptive technology for kids and youth with disabilities.
tb!s raised $213,034 nationwide, making it Easter Seals' Top National Paper Egg sponsor in 2010, a distinction it has held since 2007 when it first became involved in this campaign. Since that time, tb!s has raised $658,220 for Easter Seals.
Easter Seals Executive Director Julia Latham presents the Golden Egg Award to staff of the Woodstock tb!s.
On Tuesday 29th June 2010, Julia Latham Executive Director with Easter Seals New Brunswick presented The Golden Egg award to the staff of tb!s Woodstock. It was a day to celebrate the wonderful generosity of tb!s staff of their time and efforts and of community goodwill.
"For a rural community like Woodstock to have raised as much funds as it did, is so impressive, not to mention the fact it was all done in times of a recession! It shows the wonderful spirit in the Woodstock area and the kindness, generosity and hard work of the tb!s staff!" said Executive Director Julia Latham. "I would like to congratulate Doug Mac Kenzie, manager of tb!s, his staff and the people of Woodstock for 10 years of outstanding fundraising. Once again they have led the nation in their fundraising efforts and over the last 10 years raised over $44,000 for Easter Seals."
"The momentum at our stores during the campaign was incredible", says, Regional Manager Dan Barrett. "Our customers gave significantly even in a struggling economy. Without their generosity we would not have achieved these inspiring results. We want to thank every one who contributed this year throughout all our communities".
Woodstock tb!s manager Doug Mackenzie noted the importance of local Business support to the paper egg campaign, "I cannot thank the local business people enough for their contribution to this worthy cause. It has taken the efforts and generosity of the whole community to put Woodstock tb!s in first place for fundraising across Canada again this year. I would like to express a sincere thank you to everyone!"
ESNB executive director Julia Latham presents Glen Piercy with a Certificate of Appreciation for his contributions to the 2010 Easter Seals Paper Egg Campaign.
The Acorn Bookstore was one of the Woodstock businesses that made a big impact in the fundraising success and was awarded a certificate of appreciation also.
tb!s, incorporated in 1999, has 248 stores across Canada and is one of Canada's fastest growing retail chains servicing primarily rural and secondarily, urban markets.
tb!s carries a selection of products for the home (including electronics, house wares and home textiles), as well as men's, women's and children's apparel. tb!s also offers footwear, food, cleaning products, as well as a large selection of toys, seasonal and health and beauty products. To learn more about the company and the products it carries, visit www.TBSstores.com
Saturday June 26th 2010, Open House at Camp Rotary, a huge success!
Easter Seals New Brunswick and the Rotary Club of Fredericton hosted an Open House at Camp Rotary on Grand Lake on Saturday and a great time was had by all.
Brandon Liston - ESNB Ambassador Emeritus welcomes guests.
Campers and visitors were greeted by friendly and helpful Easter Seals camp staff and ESNB Ambassador Emeritus, Brandon Liston. "My first time, I was scared to come to camp, but by the time it came to leave, I was literally hanging on to a pole to stay" a young new attendee was assured by Brandon. Members of the Easter Seals Board of Directors attended and enjoyed greeting newest ESNB ambassador Noah Folz. The opening ceremonies began with a speech from Noah, who warmed the hearts of all who listened. "I love meeting new people and I am a very sociable kid and look forward to meeting you all in 2010 and possibly making a difference in someone's life."
Wizard of Oz entertains guests.
The theme was Wizard of Oz and camp tours were given by colourful characters such as the Wicked Witch of the West, the Tin Man, Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion. The sun shone on all, to make for happy campers who enjoyed the entertainment at the camp fire sessions. Comedy, song and the Wizard of Oz performance, entertained guests and visitors to the open house.
ESNB Board of Directors members - Glen Hughes, Rhonda Ruben, Don Le Blanc, Keith Allen, Noah Folz (ESNB ambassador) and Doug Bridgman.
The day was attended by Minister of Finance, Hon. Greg Byrne and his wife Valerie. Grand Lake Camp Rotary was full of song, fun and laughter until hungry campers made their way to the wonderful BBQ spread.
A huge thank you goes out from Easter Seals New Brunswick and the Rotary Club of Fredericton to all who attended and to all who made this day possible.
Easter Seals New Brunswick assists Helping Hands for Haiti
Helping Hands for Haiti get the equipment needed for those with Disabilities
Easter Seals NB Staff prepared and packaged equipment bound for Haiti. From left to right: Pat Silvea, Holland Davidson, Pramod Verma, and Tom Dodd.
Easter Seals NB has stepped in to help those with disabilities in Haiti.
As most of us know the January 2010 Haitian earthquake was a catastrophic disaster affecting over three million people. It is estimated 230,000 people died and 300,000 were injured. This of course has left thousands of Haitians now living with disabilities in a country unprepared for such tragedy. Easter Seals New Brunswick has decided to extend its services to Helping Hands for Haiti by donating supplies from its surplus of equipment for those with disabilities. "We are happy to see this outmoded equipment be put to good use and hope it makes a positive difference in the victim's lives" said Tom Dodd - Loans Coordinator with Easter Seals.
The medical teams already in place in Haiti are delighted at the prospect of having the proper equipment to assist those in need and of course have the knowledge to assemble and operate such devices. It is a much needed addition to the assistance already being dispatched through the wonderful work of those at Helping Hands for Haiti. "We make good partners, as Easter Seals has passé equipment we would like to see utilized and Helping Hands for Haiti has the expertise to assemble the equipment once it arrives for its new owners" said Julia Latham, Executive Director for ESNB.
Accessibble Sports in New Brunswick
"Someone told Sarah the first time Sabrina (Durepos, a wheelchair basketball paraolympian) went out it took her two hours to get her first basket, Sarah's response to me was 'And she has two good hands, Mom, and I've only got one,' and she got it within the first hour."
It didn’t stop there, Sarah got three baskets that very first night, says Beth Lord mother of Sarah Lord one of the participants in the new Easter Seals New Brunswick Abilities program. The program was started this fall and is intended to give children with a physical disability an introduction into a variety of accessible sports. Participants have the opportunity to try sports such as wheelchair basketball, archery, curling, sledge hockey and skiing.
It is incredibly important for people to stay active. This has been difficult for teenagers in New Brunswick, as there are very few accessible sport programs in the province. This program is giving teenagers with disabilities the chance to not only be active but to experience being on a team. The participants are able to be social, meet new friends, gain self confidence and discover their abilities while gaining a stronger sense of independence. Parents get the opportunity to cheer as their children score a goal, get a basket, and hit the target.
There is a great need for programs like this in more New Brunswick cities. Eventually, Easter Seals NB would love to see similar models running in all the major cities. This program has come as a very welcome addition to the participant’s lives and their families.
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Easter Seals New Brunswick applauds Canada’s Ratification
2010-08-04 19:09:42
On March 11th at United Nations headquarters in New York City the Government of Canada ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. “This has been a long time coming but vital for Canadians with disabilities,” says Julia Latham, executive Director for Easter Seals New Brunswick. “The premise behind Canada’s ratification of the UN Convention is exactly that of our organization, to work in partnership with people with disabilities so that they may attain independence and equality available in the community.”
The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 13, 2006. The United Nations intends to internationally protect the human rights of those with disabilities by implementing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. All countries that party with the Convention are requested to endorse, defend and guarantee full human rights for persons with disabilities.
The United Nations opened the Convention for signature on March 30, 2007 and Easter Seals New Brunswick is very proud that Canada was among the first countries to sign.
Almost 14.3 percent of the Canadian population lives with a disability, which makes up about 4.4 million people. It is so important that we show these Canadians the same respect and equality in their communities that any other resident or citizen receives.
Easter Seals New Brunswick has been supporting those with disabilities since 1966. It is affiliated with the Easter Seals National Council and has sister organizations across Canada.”We have a long history of helping those with disabilities and we like to encourage their abilities in their own lives and the community around them. One of our most beloved programs is Camp Rotary, and the Abilities program! “It really shows the kids their abilities!” said ESNB executive director, Julia Latham.