The Cause - Easter Seals House
Easter Seals House is a welcoming place for out-of-town families to stay when their children undergo medical treatment in Vancouver. The House, located just blocks from BC’s Children’s Hospital, has 49 self contained suites with kitchenettes.
For many families even a basic hotel room is often not an option they can afford during their sometimes long stays. The cost of an adult to stay at Easter Seals House is $18 and the child always stays free. Each year the House provides over 35,000 beds to families requiring short and long term accommodation.
Easter Seals House is not subsidized by the government and as such relies on the funds raised at events, such as the National Bank Financial Easter Seals Waves Regatta to help to offset the operational and maintenance costs associated with this facility. The annual operating budget for Easter Seals House Vancouver in 2012 was $728,114.
Why Are the Costs So High?
The House is specially designed and equipped to accommodate children with special needs. The addition and maintenance of ramps and lifts, the modification of doorways, washrooms and the need for the front desk to be open 24 hours a day are just a few of the expenses unique to this kind of facility.
About the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities
The BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities has been a registered charitable organization since 1952. Also known as the "Easter Seals People", the Society's mandate is to support children with special needs throughout BC.
Other events produced by the BC Lions Society benefiting Easter Seals are the Money Mart 24 Hour Relay and the Easter Seals Drop Zone.