‘Ambassador Bowen will do CBS proud’
By Craig Westcott / March 24 2022
CBS resident Brandon Bowen was heralded at CBS council last week for being chosen the newest Ambassador for Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador.
The 17-year-old is a Grade 11 student at Holy Spirit High School and has been a member of the Easter Seals since the age of two.
Ward 3 councillor Gerard Tilley said Bowen will be the face and voice of the Easter Seals program in this province for the next year.
“The Ambassador represents Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador at a variety of events, fundraisers and media-related activities and other functions,” Tilley said. “The Ambassador is someone who represents the incredible potential and amazing capabilities of people with disabilities.”
Along with a $2,000 scholarship for future education provided by the Fraser Edison Easter Seals Newfoundland Ambassador Trust, the Ambassador gains tremendous public communications and media relations experience while being given unparalleled opportunities to meet with political, corporate and community leaders, Tilley said.
Over the years Bowen has participated in many Easter Seals programs and events such as family summer and winter camps, swimming, boccia, sledge hockey, wheelchair basketball, youth socials, Halloween, Christmas, and Easter parties, and Celebrate the Season luncheon concerts.
He started playing the button accordion at the age of nine.
“Brandon, who was born with cerebral palsy, has become a household name throughout the province in traditional music circles and with his accordion playing has performed at a variety of festivals throughout the province and played alongside bands including Shannyganock, Rum Ragged, and the Masterless Men, just to name a few,” Tilley said.
“I’ve had the opportunity to know Brandon for a long time,” Tilley added. “Brandon was granted a wish from the Make a Wish Foundation, I guess I’m going back about 10 years, and his wish back then was he wanted to see John Cena at Wrestlemania, and sure enough, that dream came true for him… I’d like to say, congratulations Brandon. He’s certainly grown into a fine young gentleman and I’m sure he will do that position proud for the next year, and he’ll do CBS proud as well.”