History Timeline
We are a charitable organization that has operated in this province since 1937. Since then we have tirelessly dedicated ourselves to engaging, inspiring and empowering persons with disabilities through life-changing programs and services. Learn more about our incredible journey by navigating through our timeline.
June 16
1937
Opening ceremonies of the Sunshine Camp were held, presided over by Lady Walwyn, wife of the Governor of Newfoundland. The main objectives were to adopt any measures that may be considered to improve the health, strength, and well-being of children; To employ doctors, nurses, or assistants; To purchase food, medicines, appliances, etc...
Sunshine Camp
1954
In 1954 following a polio epidemic, the Sunshine Camp began admitting children with physical disabilities. With the support of its sponsor, the St. John’s Rotary Club, the role of the Association changed from solely providing summer camp facilities for underprivileged children to providing rehabilitation services for children with disabilities.
First Ambassador
1955
1955 was the first known instance of an Easter Seals Ambassador in Newfoundland and Labrador who would engage in publicity campaigns to raise awareness and funds for activities undertaken by the Sunshine Camp Association.
Name Change
1960
In February, 1960 the name of the Sunshine Camp Association was changed to the Newfoundland Society for the Care of Crippled Children and Adults (operating the Sunshine Camp Children’s Rehabilitation Centre).
Official Opening
1968
April 25, 1968, Premier J.R. Smallwood officially opened the new Children’s Rehabilitation Centre following the completion of renovations. Hon J.C. Crosbie, Minister of Health, also gave an address at the opening.
July 12
1988
The name of the Society was officially changed from “Newfoundland Society for the Care of Crippled Children and Adults” to “Newfoundland Society for the Physically Disabled Inc.”
Horizons Program
2000
In 2000, the Horizons Program was developed. This program provides young adults (18-30) with physical disabilities the opportunity to gain comprehensive life skills enhancement and vital workplace experience. The goal is to facilitate personal growth, independence, and enable the participants to compete for employment opportunities and achieve community integration.
A Big Year
2003
In 2003, a new Easter Seals Camp, Camp Bumbleberry, opened on Salmonier Line. It had accessible cabins and an accessible waterfront on a lake. In 2003, NSPD was rebranded as the Easter Seals Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2003 the Fraser Edison Easter Seals Ambassador Trust Fund (FEESAT) which provides a $2,000 scholarship to each child who serves as an ambassador was implemented.
Easter Seals House
2010
On March 8, 2010, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially commemorate the opening of Easter Seals House on Mt. Scio Rd.
See Ability in Disability
2015
The “See Ability in Disability Capital Campaign” was launched in 2015 in an effort to build a fully accessible park on the grounds of Easter Seals House as well as funding an endowment. This park was developed with the goal of being a place where persons both with and without disabilities can play together and create positive memories.
Inaugural Cabin Lottery
2016
In 2016, the inaugural Luxury Cabin Lottery was held.
Ground Breaking
2017
On June 21st, 2017 ground was broken on the fully accessible and inclusive park adjacent to the Easter Seals House.
Grand Opening
2018
On June 14th, 2018, the grand opening ceremony for the fully accessible playground, Jeremy Cross Memorial Playground was held.
Phase II Begins
2020
On May 11th, 2020, the ground breaking ceremony for Phase II of the Accessible Playground at Easter Seals House was held. This phase will see the development of a sensory garden and a pavilion and events plaza.
ESNL Inclusive Park - Phase II - Grand Opening
2021
Easter Seals NL celebrated the Grand Opening for Phase II of the most accessible and inclusive park in Atlantic Canada on June 23rd, 2021. Construction of Phase II included a beautiful pavilion, an event plaza, and gorgeous sensory gardens.
