Grant and Funding Programs Offered by BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities

The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities operates under the public brand Easter Seals BC/Yukon. Since 1947 it has been a key charitable organization supporting children, youth and adults with diverse abilities across British Columbia and the Yukon. Its work combines the direct delivery of programs—such as fully accessible residential camps, virtual learning and social programs, and medical travel accommodation—with targeted financial support like educational awards and funded health projects.

Through Easter Seals summer camps in Winfield, Squamish and Shawnigan, as well as City Adventure Day Camps and EasterSeals@Home virtual offerings, the Society invests in experiences that build self‑esteem, confidence and independence. It also operates Easter Seals House in Vancouver, providing affordable, accessible accommodation for individuals and families who must travel for specialized medical care, including designated respite stays for caregivers.

Beyond in‑kind program delivery, the Society supports several funding streams. A portfolio of post‑secondary educational awards has been established to help youth with disabilities pursue college, university or trades training. These awards are administered by participating institutions, which manage eligibility and selection on behalf of the Society. Historically, Easter Seals funding has also enabled medical innovations, such as high‑technology lasers at the Lions Laser Skin Centre, demonstrating its role in financing health‑related capital projects.

The organization promotes community access by connecting persons with disabilities and caregivers to national discount programs like the Access2 Card and Disability Travel Card, improving affordability of recreation and travel. It also leverages facility rentals of its accessible camp properties; rental income is reinvested to support summer camp operations and other services.

The Society’s beneficiaries include children as young as six, teens transitioning to adulthood, adults with disabilities up to middle age, and their families and caregivers. Programs such as Compass, CompassWorks, Compass 2 and the Oak Street Club focus on life skills, employment readiness, social connection and parent peer support. Respite opportunities at Easter Seals House and in camp settings offer critical breaks for caregivers while participants engage in structured, supportive programming.

Impact and financial accountability are documented through annual impact reports and audited financial statements, published openly on the website. These reports outline participation numbers, program outcomes and how donated and earned revenues are allocated across camps, housing, virtual programs, awards and community services.

Founded from the vision of the East Vancouver Lions Club, the Society grew from early transportation and medical support services, adding Easter Seals Houses, then permanent camp facilities from the 1960s onward. Over time, fundraising initiatives such as the Timmy’s Christmas Telethon, 24‑Hour Relays and a variety of Lions Club events have financed an expanding portfolio of programs and capital projects. In 2017, a strategic plan to “reimagine” services broadened the mandate from supporting children only to enabling abilities for persons with disabilities of all ages.

The Society maintains a close relationship with Lions Clubs across BC and the Yukon. Clubs organize third‑party fundraisers, participate in signature events like Drop Zone, and contribute significant donations that sustain programs and facilities. The organization provides Lions‑specific toolkits, promotional materials and a dedicated newsletter, reinforcing its role as a central charity partner for the Lions network in the region.