THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay chapter of the Easter Seals held a very special event on Wednesday to mark the centennial year of the province-wide organization.
Since its founding in 1922, Easter Seals has been helping families purchase costly accessibility and mobility equipment for their children with physical disabilities.
"It means a lot to the parents getting their financial support, also the camping experience and helping out their kids,” said Rhonda Harrison, northern Ontario community engagement manager, Easter Seals.
Easter Seals alumni, representatives, and supporters were all in attendance to celebrate and show their support.
Along with the vital equipment, the organization also provides the kids with opportunities to attend one of their two fully accessible camps to take part in exciting activities and create lifelong memories.
Amy Rybar is a former Child Ambassador for Easter Seals, and says being part of the organization changed her, and her family's life.
"They made it so that I can get into my bi-level house by putting in a wheelchair lift outside, so we went from my mom carrying me up the stairs and one time she fell trying to get me down the stairs, into okay let's just go and we'll be in there in 30 seconds," she said.
Easter Seals has a few more events taking place this year to celebrate the anniversary, including a lighting and flag raising at city hall.
