The province’s automobile dealers have been long-time supporters of Camp Easter Seal located at Manitou Beach. This year was no exception as the Saskatchewan Automobile Dealers’ Association (SADA) donated $30,000 to Camp Easter Seal. 

According to Sask Abilities’ January 20 press release, this now brings the total contribution that SADA has made to Camp Easter Seal to over half a million dollars. Camp Easter Seal depends on donations like those from SADA to continue its programming. Camp Easter Seal is the only fully accessible camp of its kind in the province. It continues to provide opportunities for people with mobility and accessibility challenges. It’s designed to contribute to the participants’ independence, self-esteem and social network.

Over the years, SADA’s contributions have provided for a pontoon boat as part of the aquatic component of the program as well as physical additions to the Camp to make it even more inclusive and accessible. 

Maurice Plemel of Colony Chevrolet GMC Buick in Humboldt is on the Board of Directors for SADA. He notes the association has been involved with Camp Easter Seal since 2004. He explains that the association’s dealer members made Camp Easter Seal its charity of choice for one primary reason.

“The biggest reason we made the choice is that it’s a charity that services all of Saskatchewan. There are people who attend Camp Easter Seal from just about every community in the province. We felt it was near and dear to our hearts because of that.”

Plemel notes that SADA members are represented in every corner of the province. He testifies to the importance of the work the counsellors and staff undertake every year. 

“It’s an amazing, amazing facility. The kind of work they do there is definitely unique in the province.”

The individual dealers run fundraising efforts like auctions and silent auctions with the support of their suppliers and their communities. Many of SADA’s past contributions went to physical renovations and equipment according to Plemel. Now many of the funds go to offset costs for campers to attend.

“SaskAbilities is very grateful for the significant contributions that SADA continues to make to Camp Easter Seal,” says Karen Moore, Director of Provincial Services with SaskAbilities. “The impact they have made in the lives of thousands of campers is truly remarkable. We look forward to working with SADA in the coming years to continue to send deserving kids to Camp.” 

The Camp will be in full swing once again this summer on the shores of Little Manitou Lake.