Easter Seals

 Founded by Rotarians, Easter Seals Ontario began in 1922 as a vision to make a better life for kids and young adults with physical disabilities. Dryden Rotarian Roger Gould explained he has been a supporter of Easter Seals for a long time and his family has benefited through the support of their son, Casey, with monies for equipment and Easter Seals Summer Camp. He then introduced Rhonda Harrison, Regional Representative of Easter Seals Ontario, based in Thunder Bay

Rhonda explained that Easter Seals provides programs and services to children and young adults with physical disabilities across Ontario to help them achieve greater independence, accessibility and integration. It provides financial assistance of up to $3,000 per year per child to help purchase essential mobility equipment such as wheelchair, walkers, ramps or lifts. In addition, Easter Seals offers children and young adults ten-day summer camp experiences at one of their two fully accessible summer camps. Activities may include sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, archery, pottery, arts & crafts, games, music etc. It is also an opportunity to make new friends and spend a few nights away from their parents/caregivers. In Northwestern Ontario alone, one hundred sixty-seven kids received support from Easter Seals.

The annual Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids is the largest and most renowned snowmobiling fundraising activity in Ontario. Guest speaker Barry Lynch spoke of the long time co-operation between the Power Toboggan Club and Easter Seals. Last year they help to raise $5000.00 for Easter Sears. This winter they expect to organize the Dryden Snowarama for February 19, 2012 and are welcoming volunteers to help with the event.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (www.ofsc.ca) provides support to construct and maintain the main "A" trail in the Dryden Area. Trail passes can be purchased on-line or at participating snowmobile dealers.

ObergAngieAngie Bujold is leaving Dryden for a new job and a new life in Red lake, Ontario. Local Rotarians stood up to applaud while Dryden President Rena Madden recognized Angie’s many achievements and contributions to Rotary...and reminded members we are still looking for a replacement programmer. 

Rotarian Will Vermeer presents a "Thank you" plaque for ten years of hosting weekly rotary meetings to Melody Oberg representing the owners and staff of Eagles Landing.