Children and youth with physical disabilities across the province will continue to have the opportunity to participate in a variety of quality recreational and social programs offered at Husky Energy Easter Seals House. The Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, was at Husky Energy Easter Seals House today to announce a one-time grant of $50,000 to support Easter Seals' recreational therapy program. Minister Kennedy was joined by Gerry Olscamp, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador; Michael Duffy, Chair of Easter Seals Canada; and, Nicholas Arnold, Easter Seals Ambassador.

"Our government is committed to investing in programs and initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility and reducing barriers for children with disabilities in our province," said Minister Kennedy. "We recognize the important role that Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador plays in enhancing the lives of children, and we are happy to support them."

Recreational therapy is Easter Seals' largest program area and provides children the opportunity to participate in activities such as basketball, music, rock climbing, sailing, skiing and sledge hockey. The benefits include increased fitness and improved general health, and overall positive self-esteem.

"The Provincial Government's support of Easter Seals will enable us to continue offering quality programming to children and youth with physical disabilities," said Sharon Duggan, President, Board of Directors, Easter Seals. "This funding will allow us to continue to change lives and create great opportunities for our participants."

This funding complements the recent Provincial Government investment of $56,000 to support the Easter Seals' Beyond Barriers After School Program and the Moving to Inclusion Program, both of which promote accessible and inclusive recreation and healthy living activities.

Easter Seals is a non-profit organization dedicated to maximizing the abilities of children with physical disabilities. Its programs help more than 300 children across the province through recreational therapy, direct assistance, skills development and education and advocacy.

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