Thank you, Canada!
VANCOUVER, June 21 /CNW/ – Preliminary results indicate that the 5th annual Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion, presented by Scotiabank, has raised over $2 million to help improve the quality of life of people with spinal cord injury. Since the inception of Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion in 2003, Canadians have contributed $7.6 million to this annual fundraising event.
“Thank you to everyone who wheeled, walked and fundraised in support of Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion events held across Canada on Sunday, June 10,” said Bill Crook, Executive Director of Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion. “This event has grown steadily over the past five years and this year’s success is evidence that thousands of Canadians have embraced Rick Hansen and the spirit of the 20th anniversary of his legendary Man In Motion World Tour.”
“Twenty years ago, my dream was to make communities more accessible and inclusive,” said Rick Hansen, President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. “By raising awareness of the need to make our communities more welcoming, accepting and supportive of people with spinal cord injury, we are making a real difference in the quality of life for thousands of Canadians from Victoria to St. John’s.”
Funds raised in communities across Canada support Quality of Life projects in the areas of education, skill development, sports and leisure activities, equipment, awareness, peer support programs and integration into the community following a spinal cord injury. Funds are also directed towards research to help discover better treatments and interventions from the point of injury onward, leading to a cure.
Wheels In Motion has funded over 650 Quality of Life projects in communities across Canada since its inception. The Rick Hansen Foundation works with spinal cord injury partner organizations to set funding priorities and distribute funds. The Foundation has helped to raise an additional $6 million for these projects over the past four years by partnering with the corporate, community and public sectors.
“The ongoing success of Wheels In Motion is tied directly to the dedicated and growing nationwide community of volunteers, partners and participants that make these events possible,” said Crook. “This community spirit, coupled with an increased awareness of the challenges that people with spinal cord injury face every day, are key ingredients that continue to fuel our success.”
An integral part of this nationwide community is the commitment and involvement of presenting partner Scotiabank, along with other Wheels In Motion corporate partners. The success of the event is also made possible through the support of spinal cord injury community partners which include the Quebec Wheelchair Association and Fondation pour la Recherche sur la Moelle Epinière in Quebec.
Canadians can still donate at Scotiabank branches across Canada or online at www.rickhansen.com until June 30, 2007
About the Rick Hansen Foundation:
———————————
The Rick Hansen Foundation is a registered charitable organization that works to create more accessible and inclusive communities for people with a spinal cord injury, and supports the search for a cure. Through Rick’s leadership, the Foundation has generated over $200 million for spinal cord injury related programs and initiatives.
The Foundation is particularly grateful to our Premier Partner, Scotiabank, for its outstanding commitment to making a difference in the lives of people with spinal cord injury.
For further information
or to request an interview, please contact Lindsay Thom, PR & Media Relations, Rick Hansen Foundation, (604) 709-6335
