The Tim Hortons Easter Seals PEI 2025 Ambassador School Tour, with Remi Dean as this year’s ambassador, will soon start her visits to Island schools beginning Wednesday, April 23rd.

A 44-year Island tradition, the Tour stops at every school in the provincial Public Schools Branch and French Language School Board in just six days, ending on Wednesday, April 30th. Remi will begin her tour with a visit to John J. Sark Memorial School, a day before, with an indigenous prayer as a kick-off, and to meet the students and staff on Lennox Island.

Remi is eight years old and in the third grade at Ellerslie Elementary, and lives in Freeland. Joining her on her ambassador journey are her parents Danielle and Norman, her little brother Sully and her little sister Lottie. Remi was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as she was born a ‘premmie’ baby, weighing only three pounds, which caused her brain to have some problems. Her condition makes her muscles not work properly, and Remi hopes that by sharing, she can help more people become aware of cerebral palsy and understand the impact. Remi wears leg braces to help her walk, as her muscles don’t grow with her bones, which makes walking and running more difficult. She is excited to help increase awareness about Islanders living with disabilities with her motto: ‘Always remember you can do hard things.’

“Several Island schools benefit from the tour, including Parkdale Elementary, which recently received funds toward a new accessible swing and a sensory table for their learning library,” says Helen Chapman, Executive Director of Easter Seals PEI. “We provide several provincial grants annually to approximately 16 organizations, and many Island schools receive funding to purchase much-needed equipment.”

“We are thankful to Easter Seals PEI for helping us foster a more inclusive, safe and caring learning environment,” says Moore. “The swing was recently installed and everyone is excited to see Grade One stude nt Colin ’s big smile, who has been enjoying the swing the most so far,” adds Moore. “He and his twin brother Kobi are both autistic, and this new swing enhances their independence, quality of life and well-being. Their classmates are lining up to help, so everyone benefi ts by participating in outdoor fun without barriers on our playground.”

Chapman thanked D. P Murphy’s Janice Blacquiere, who organizes the Tim Horton’s school tour every year and also thanked Coach Atlantic Maritime Bus, who has provided the transportation every year. Remi looks forward to her week ahead and encourages all Islanders to consider making a gift to Easter Seals. She is excited to meet the thousands of students during the upcoming school tour. Funds raised will be disbursed to various registered charities on PEI through the organization’s annual provincial grant program. Donate today to help Islanders like Remi by visiting the website at www.eastersealspei.org . For more information, please call 902-394-3973.

We had the privilege of meeting PEI’s new Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Wassim Salamoun, at our kick-off in Brudenell to announce our newest ambassador, Remi Dean, and thank outgoing ambassador Lucie Gallant for such a wonderful year. Thank you also to the Rotary Club of Charlottetown‘s Regan Lewis, Chair of Easter Seals, who always shows kindness toward everyone, especially Islanders living with disabilities

We  take a moment to thank our 2024 Chair Regan Lewis, who is a member of the Rotary Club of Charlottetown, for his leadership and dedication this past year, and welcome our new Chair, Pat Campbell, who represents the Rotary Club of Montague and Eastern PEI. Easter Seals PEI is fortunate to have such compassionate leaders.