Since 1947 Easter Seals BC & Yukon has been committed to enhancing the quality of life of persons living with disabilities across British Columbia, including Vancouver Island where for over this 75-years we have worked to meet the complex needs of individuals with disabilities in the Capital Regional District and beyond. People with disabilities experience a multitude of physical, emotional, and social barriers. At Easter Seals we find it unacceptable today that people with disabilities are excluded due to a lack of accessible places and spaces. This is what drives us. We envision a world where no person’s abilities are underestimated, where no one is excluded or isolated because of their disability. We believe all people should be celebrated for who they are, with equitable opportunities to achieve their full potential and experience independence, acceptance, and joy. One of the ways we do that is by running Camp Shawnigan. For over 40 years, Easter Seals BC and Yukon has delivered deep connections and sense of belonging for many individuals at Camp Shawnigan in Shawnigan Lake on beautiful Vancouver Island. But, after four decades of dedicated service, Camp Shawnigan is approaching the end of its useful life. The needs have changed for the people we serve while the camp has not evolved to meet those needs. The Camp’s buildings and landscapes are not equipped for full inclusion and what was considered accessible and acceptable in 1979 does not meet today’s standards and cannot accommodate all disabilities. We have a challenge born of opportunity and if we seize it, magic can happen for children, youth and adults across BC, and beyond our borders. The $25 million campaign to transform Camp Shawnigan will create North America’s first year-round, purpose-built multi-purpose retreat for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, their families, and caregivers. Designed for people with both visible and invisible disabilities, Camp Shawnigan will accommodate all people no matter their abilities, mobility, or sensory sensitivities. More than just a camp for kids, our vision for Camp Shawnigan is that it will serve as a fully accessible destination for tourists and inclusive large gatherings, contribute to its own self-sustainability and the economic vitality of the region, and be a living laboratory for Universal Design Principles, achieving a new standard of accessibility and inclusivity that is beyond code. The campaign for the transformation of Camp Shawnigan has been buoyed by the support of many individuals and businesses, by all levels of government and by a $7 Million grant from the Province of BC announced on July 20th. Over the coming months, Easter Seals BC and Yukon will be reaching out to foundations, corporations and private donors to ask for their critically needed support that will enable us to embark on this bold plan. With this collective support, construction is expected to begin in summer 2025 with project completion in 2026. Interested in learning more about this Life Changing Project on Vancouver Island? Visit us at CampShawnigan.ca to learn more.
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