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Online C21 Challenge looks to raise money for Easter Seals

It is a great way to raise money and show off your skills," says Easter Seals Charlene Myke

Easter Seals currently has more than $1 million in requests for equipment from families. This financial task is made difficult given the current health crisis and the need for fundraising.

Easter Seals is Canada’s largest local provider of programs, services and issues leadership and development for the disability community.

South Central development manager Charlene Myke, who oversees Barrie and the surrounding area for the organization, told BarrieToday that for those who feel social distancing is hard to do, this is what disabled children deal with every day.

“Social distancing is the daily life of the kids we work with,” said Myke. “These are kids that don't normally get asked to sleepovers, parties and dances. Most families don’t know how to deal with a child in a wheelchair and it leaves our kids living without all that fun stuff kids should be doing.”

Receiving no government funding, Easter Seals Canada relies on the generosity of the public to provide kids with wheelchairs, walkers, commodes and other items. Events like Dancing With The Stars, Paper Eggs the Run and the Spring Hockey Classics have all been postponed for the foreseeable future because of COVID-19.

Myke said the organization is looking for new methods to continue to make life accessible for kids with physical disabilities and has found one that could be fun to do online.

“We’re hoping the C21 Challenge gets people active and creative while they are stuck inside,” said Myke. “It is a great way to raise money and show off your skills.”

The C21 Times for Easter Seals Kids Challenge will take place on social media with people filming themself doing something 21 times.

“It could be 21 shots on a basketball net or hockey net, it could be jumping jacks, pushups, anything you can think of,” said Myke. “

The challenge is named after key sponsorship partner, Century 21 and participants are encouraged to get donations of $21 from family and friends to encourage their activity.

The biggest event held by the organization is the Easter Seals Camps, which gets kids with disabilities outdoors and experiencing the joy of camp.

“Camp is a magical place for all kids, but particularly our kids as it is sometimes the one time they get to experience such a thing a year,” said Myke. “There are a lot of upset people that we can't get to the camp this year,l but we are bringing the camp to the kids. We will hold it online and make it as fun as possible.”

Anyone looking to help Easter Seals through the C21 Challenge is encouraged to go to the website and make a donation. For those looking to also participate, check out the website here for more details.

All funds raised from the Challenge will go toward providing essential mobility and accessibility equipment to kids in need.