By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
An evening of entertainment, community spirit, and meaningful impact is set to take centre stage on Friday, May 1, 2026, as Dancing with Easter Seals Stars returns to the Oakville Conference Centre. The annual fundraiser invites residents from across Halton to support children and youth with physical disabilities while cheering on local “celebrity” dancers who have spent weeks preparing for their moment in the spotlight.
Hosted by Easter Seals Ontario, the event blends ballroom flair with a powerful purpose. Guests can expect a lively and engaging evening that begins with opening remarks followed by a three-course dinner, before a high-energy dance competition, featuring styles such as salsa, tango, jazz, waltz, swing, and country. Each dance pair is training for eight weeks, working through 12 practices to perfect two routines ahead of the big night.
The competition will culminate in two major awards: the Grand Champion title, selected by celebrity judges, and the highly anticipated People’s Choice Award, which is determined through community votes. Supporters can vote for their favourite dancer by donating through the official Dancing With Easter Seals Stars fundraiser page, where every $20 donation counts as one vote and all contributions receive a tax receipt.
Beyond the entertainment, the impact of the fundraiser is deeply felt by families across the region. Funds raised help bridge critical financial gaps for essential equipment and services. The cost of a wheelchair can range from $10,000 to $50,000, with Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program covering only 75%, leaving families responsible for the remainder. Easter Seals helps cover those additional costs, along with funding for communication devices, home accessibility modifications such as ramps and lifts, mobility aids, and bathroom equipment that is not otherwise supported.
Another significant portion of funding goes toward summer camp experiences for children with physical disabilities. While sending a child to overnight camp can be costly, even for families of children without physical disabilities, specialized Easter Seals camps cost more than $2,500 per week. Through fundraising efforts like this event, families receive subsidies that make these life-changing experiences possible. For many families, particularly the 60% of families living below the poverty line, this support is essential. Camps also offer inclusive family experiences, allowing parents and siblings to enjoy time together in a fully accessible environment.
For families like Stacey’s, the impact is profound. Her 13-year-old son Alex, who lives with cerebral palsy and is nonverbal, eagerly anticipates camp each year. Using his communication device, he frequently brings up camp and watches videos from previous summers. “Honestly, it’s his whole world,” Stacey shares, reflecting on how meaningful the experience has become after five years of attendance.
Preparation for the event has also created memorable moments for participants. Several dancers have been training at the Oakville location of Fred Astaire Dance Studio, where experienced instructors Heather and Joe, with more than two decades of teaching experience, have been guiding participants through their routines. Burlington Local-News.ca attended a recent rehearsal where participant Sharon Ruddy of SB Group Private Wealth shared how she became involved. “Well, I came to a line dancing class and somehow got voted in,” she said with a laugh.
For Ruddy, the experience has been both challenging and rewarding. “Stepping out of my comfort zone and doing something that, quite frankly, terrifies me,” she explained, is part of the journey. “But ultimately, the biggest reward is giving back to the children, right? Because it’s all about sending them to camp, and it’s just such a rewarding experience for them.”
In addition to funding equipment and camp programs, Easter Seals continues to advocate for systemic change. Through public education, government consultation, and collaboration with families and young adults, the organization works to improve accessibility in schools, programs, and public spaces, while raising awareness about the ongoing barriers faced by children and youth with physical disabilities.
As anticipation builds for May 1, Dancing with Easter Seals Stars promises to be more than just a night of entertainment. It is a celebration of resilience, community, and the power of coming together to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families across Halton.
