AVRIL  LAVIGNE  GIVES  50  KIDS  AN  UNFORGETTABLE  SUMMER The Avril Lavigne Foundation announces the third-annual Camp S.T.A.R.S summer camp scholarship

program for kids with disabilities

August 10, 2015 – The Avril Lavigne Foundation and Easter Seals announced that CAMP S.T.A.R.S., a scholarship program that gives low-income children with disabilities the chance to attend summer camp, will continue for a third consecutive year. Launched in 2012, CAMP S.T.A.R.S. -Summer Time Avril Rock Stars - was inspired by Avril Lavigne’s time visiting and supporting Easter Seals Summer Camp programs throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as her personal experiences growing up. “Since starting this program, we’ve helped more than 100 children and young adults to attend summer camp to make lifelong friends, have fun and learn new skills,” said Avril Lavigne. “I created the Avril Lavigne Foundation to help people find joy and acceptance no matter what their circumstances, so I’m proud to support this program with Easter Seals again this year.”

CAMP S.T.A.R.S. will continue at five Easter Seals camps this summer across the U.S. and Canada, including Easter Seals Southern California, Easter Seals Washington, Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, Easter Seals Greater Houston, and Easter Seals Alberta, Canada. The Avril Lavigne Foundation will fund camp scholarships for 50 children during the summer of 2015, most of whom live at or below the poverty level and would otherwise not be able to attend camp.

“My favorite part of camp is building positive relationships with counselors and campers,” said Will of Richmond, Virginia, age 34, who attends Camp Easter Seals UCP in New Castle, Virginia. “Receiving the Avril Lavigne Scholarship means a lot to me. It gives me the opportunity to continue my success stories here at camp.”

Thanks to the scholarship program, Will enjoyed the Performing Arts Week at Camp Easter Seals UCP. This is a unique weeklong program focusing on creative dancing and drama culminating in a show for family and friends.

“Avril’s dedication to our camp program and our overall mission means so much to us,” said Luanne Welch, CEO & President of Easter Seals UCP North Carolina and Virginia. “This summer ten campers received a memorable week at Camp Easter Seals UCP and we are truly grateful for her ongoing support for individuals with disabilities.”

“We’re thrilled that Avril is continuing her support of our summer camp programs,” said Randy Rutta, president and chief executive officer of Easter Seals. “Attending summer camp is a rite of passage for kids. Avril’s personal commitment to ensuring that all children have every opportunity to attend and enjoy all the fun and memories that come along with camping is quite admirable. She knows how important inclusion is and Camp S.T.A.R.S allows children with disabilities to do just that!”

About The Avril Lavigne Foundation Award-winning singer, songwriter and philanthropist Avril Lavigne created The Avril Lavigne Foundation in early 2010. The Avril Lavigne Foundation R.O.C.K.S.: providing Respect, Opportunity, Choices, Knowledge, and Strength in support of children and youth living with serious illnesses or disabilities. The Foundation partners with leading charitable organizations to design and deliver programs, raise awareness and mobilize support for children and youth living with a serious illness or a disability. For information please visit The Avril Lavigne Foundation online at www.theavrillavignefoundation.org, www.facebook.com/theavrillavignefoundation or www.twitter.com/avrilfoundation About Easter Seals Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For nearly 100 years, we have been offering help and hope to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. Support children and adults with disabilities at www.easterseals.com