Meet 'Princess Vaeda,' P.E.I.'s 2020 Easter Seals ambassador

Easter Seals launched its 2020 campaign Mondaywith a lunch to introduce Vaeda Matheson, this year's ambassador for P.E.I.

Vaeda is eight years old and has cerebral palsy. She said she is happy to have been chosen as theEaster Sealsambassador.

"My motto is be different and follow your heart," she said."You don't have to be worried if you're different than other people."

Easter Seals campaign chair Edna Reidsaysthe process of selecting an ambassador is tough on account of how many wonderful young people are on the Island.

"But Vaedais amazing. When I met her she was wearing pearls. I think the best name for Vaeda is Princess Vaeda," Reid said.

Easter Seals has an important role in Island communities, Reidsaid, and while there isn't a specific monetary goal, the organization hopesto raise as much money as it can to help meet the needs of children with disabilities.

"Many of these organizations count on us, they don't have the staffing to actually go out and raise money so as a group of volunteers we do," Reid said.

Along with her role as ambassador, Vaeda will embark on a speaking tour in schoolsacross P.E.I. She said she is excited to visit the different schools.

"Vaeda is a great example to students with and without disabilitiesof what you can do when you really put your mind to it," Reid said.

More P.E.I. news