It's an opportunity that many families take for granted yet one that countless won't experience - but things are going to change if Boston Pizza owners in the province have anything to do with it.
Originating right here in our city, local Boston Pizza franchisees Earl and Gerry Ann Fraser came up with the idea to partner with the Saskatchewan Abilities Council to raise funds to send children to Camp Easter Seal. The concept was a hit and has since extended to every BP franchise in the province meaning the effort will help children from all corners of Saskatchewan to enjoy a camp getaway they might not otherwise have the chance to experience.
As the only completely wheelchair accessible camp facility in Saskatchewan - and staffed with exceptionally trained, caring workers - Camp Easter Seal is dedicated to providing a fun and barrier free experience for children of all ages with disabilities. Swimming, boating, horseback riding and outdoor cookouts are just a few of the activities that take place on site, making for the perfect spot to create memories that are sure to last a lifetime.
For one day, Boston Pizza will be donating 10 per cent of all sales to Camp Easter Seals to ensure as many children as possible will have this experience. Raising their grandson Nicholas who has down syndrome, the Frasers know first hand the challenges and limitations that exist.
When they felt comfortable enough to begin looking into camp opportunities for Nicholas the couple says they made phone call after phone call only to find there was nothing out there. Until they discovered Camp Easter Seal. Couple the need that exists in the province with a strong desire to give back to their community, the idea for the Boston Pizza fundraising effort was born.
"A year ago we tried to get Nicholas into a camp and we quickly found out there wasn't a religious camp, a public camp or a private camp that would accept him... the comment was 'we don't have the facilities or the people to support children with disabilities'," says Earl Fraser. "We thought there must be something else out there. There must be something we can do."
Camp Easter Seal he says, is often overlooked and it was he says, he wasn't really aware existed. "So we thought, this is one thing that we can do... the children that go to this camp are from all corners of the province... what better fit than to have something that we're giving to each community..."
An effort like this will go a long way towards not just raising needed funds, but also towards creating a greater awareness about Camp Easter Seal and the benefits it has been offering for more than 50 years.
The goal is to raise at least $25,000 and Earl says he hopes the community will jump on board in support of the effort that is to carry on annually as long as the support continues.
The Saskatchewan Abilities Council is thrilled to partner with Boston Pizza on this effort. "This is huge for us and Camp Easter Seal," says local Community Relations Coordinator for the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Deana Jesmer. "It costs $1,500 to send one child to camp for a week session so the fact that we are going to be able to send more campers is huge for the kids with varying abilities in the province, as well as their care givers and everyone involved."
Provincially, between 700 and 800 children attend the camp each year. There is a very real need.
This month you can do your part to help out with the worthy cause. June 26 is the day BP will be donating 10 per cent of all sales to Camp Easter Seal and throughout the month guests can also help raise additional funds by purchasing a $2 camp card that are available at all locations across Saskatchewan.
If you miss out on the Boston Pizza initiative you can still get involved. Donations are accepted year round. To learn more about Camp Easter Seal call the Saskatchewan Abilities Council office or visit www.abilitiescouncil.sk.ca
