Easter Seals Ontario

06/19/2026

THREE DAYS to go! 3️⃣☀️🏕️

The entire Camp Woodeden team is decked out in their brand-new staff shirts and eagerly awaiting the arrival of our first campers!

As opening day draws closer, staff have been hard at work getting ready for an incredible summer. The high ropes team has been preparing the course for adventure, cabin leaders and counsellors have been finalizing their training, and programmers have been creating a wide range of activities for campers of all ages and abilities.

From leadership and nursing staff to personal support counsellors, cabin teams and programmers, everyone is excited to welcome campers and help create a summer filled with friendship, adventure and unforgettable experiences.

See you soon, campers! ❤️

06/18/2026

Just FOUR DAYS until campers arrive at Camp Merrywood! ☀️🏕️

Behind the scenes, our dedicated camp staff are busy getting everything ready for camper arrival. From getting the boats on the lake to preparing paint for arts and crafts, the team has been learning the routines and putting the finishing touches on another summer of Easter Seals Ontario camp.

The cabins are ready, the activities are taking shape and opening day is almost here.

We can't wait to welcome campers back to Merrywood! ❤️

06/16/2026

Emberly is pure joy. 💛

This energetic five-year-old loves bubbles, singing, dancing, and spending time with her older sister. But behind her bright smile is a journey that included years of uncertainty before her family finally received a diagnosis of PURA syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects her physical and developmental abilities.

With support from Easter Seals Ontario's Equipment Funding Program, Emberly has been able to access equipment that helps her participate more fully at school, in her community, and alongside her peers.

"The stroller lets Emberly move around and be part of the group," shares her mom, Amanda. "It gives her that sense of inclusion, which is so important."

Watch the video to learn more about Emberly's journey and the difference donor support has made for her family.

Thank you to our donors for helping children like Emberly access the equipment they need to explore, participate, and thrive.

View Emberly's full story here: https://www.easterseals.org/emberlys-story/

06/16/2026

The Canadian Adventure Lottery is an AGCO-licensed charity lottery operated by the Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia in support of organizations including Easter Seals Ontario.

Every ticket purchased helps support programs and services for children and youth with physical disabilities while also giving you the chance to win an incredible grand prize package featuring:

- a 2026 GMC Denali,
- two Sea-Doo watercraft,
- double trailer,
- as well as a growing 50/50 jackpot.

Don't miss your chance to win! Ticket sales close at 11:00 a.m. on July 7, with the Grand Prize draw taking place that same day.

Recently, Rotarian Rob spoke with Kevin Collins, President and CEO of Easter Seals Ontario, about the importance of community support and the impact of fundraising initiatives like the Canadian Adventure Lottery. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt67K8YVgH8

If you've been thinking about purchasing a ticket, now is the time. Don't miss your chance to enter before sales close!

Learn more or purchase tickets:
https://canadianadventurelottery.ca/?utm_source=eastersealson

Thank you for continuing to support Easter Seals Ontario and the young people and families we serve every day.

AGCO Lottery Licence RAF1532155
50/50 Licence RAF1532157



Canadian Adventure Lottery Rotary Club of Barrie Huronia Easter Seals Ontario - Ontario Central

Rotarian Rob spoke with Kevin Collins, President and CEO of Easter ...

06/11/2026

The countdown to camp continues! ☀️

Today we're checking in from Camp Woodeden, where staff training is bringing together a diverse team from across the globe in preparation for an incredible summer.

In today's video, you'll meet a few members of the Woodeden team who are getting ready to welcome campers in just a few short weeks. Along with team-building activities and nightly cabin-versus-cabin challenges, staff have been building friendships, sharing plenty of laughs and embracing a little healthy competition along the way.

Behind the scenes, staff are also participating in training sessions designed to prepare them for a wide range of situations, ensuring they're ready to provide a safe, welcoming and memorable camp experience for every camper.

Opening day is getting closer, and this team can't wait to welcome campers to Camp Woodeden!

06/10/2026

The eighth annual Red Shirt Day® of Action for Accessibility and Inclusion was a tremendous success!

Last Wednesday, communities in Ontario and across the country came together to show their commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Whether you participated at school, at work, in your community or online, THANK YOU for wearing red and turning awareness into action.

We are especially grateful to this year’s provincial Red Shirt Day® sponsors, Motion, Fengate and Longo’s, whose support helped expand the reach and impact of the initiative. Together, we encouraged thousands of people to take action in support of a more accessible and inclusive future.

The momentum doesn't end here. To stay connected and access resources year-round, visit: https://redshirtday.org/

06/09/2026

The countdown to camp is on! ☀️

We're checking in from Camp Merrywood, where our leadership team has been making camp their home this week as they prepare for an incredible summer ahead. They've been sharing laughs around the campfire, playing wheelchair basketball, watching the sunset over the lake and building friendships that already span across the globe.

Most importantly, they're getting ready to welcome campers and help create the experiences, memories and connections that make camp so special.

Stay tuned for more camp updates as we get ready to kick off another amazing summer!

06/06/2026

As National AccessAbility Week comes to a close, we want to thank everyone who continues to support greater accessibility and inclusion in our communities.

While progress has been made, many children and youth with physical disabilities still face barriers in everyday life, including gaps in access to supports, services and accessible programs.

Creating a more accessible future takes all of us. Continued awareness, advocacy and investment can help build communities where individuals with disabilities feel supported, included and able to participate fully.

Because accessibility is not just about removing barriers. It’s about creating opportunities.

06/05/2026

Been part of Drop Zone Toronto before?

Register by June 30 and receive a special returning rappeler fundraising minimum of just $850.

You’ll get to rappel down a 17-storey downtown Toronto building while raising funds to support kids with physical disabilities.

Register here: https://secure.e2rm.com/p2p/register/394553/participation/en-CA

06/04/2026

Recreation and camp experiences create opportunities for children and youth to build confidence, develop friendships and experience a sense of belonging.

Yet young people with physical disabilities continue to face barriers to participating in recreation and camp programs. In Ontario, there are approximately 400 camps and outdoor recreation centres registered with the Ontario Camps Association — but less than 10 specifically accommodate children with physical disabilities.

Accessible camp and recreation programs are important spaces for connection, growth and participation.

At Easter Seals Ontario, we are proud to help create these opportunities through our accessible camp programs. But more investment in accessible recreation and camping opportunities is needed to help ensure more children and youth with physical disabilities can access the experiences every child deserves.