EDMONTON (CP) – Alberta is hoping a $12-million donation over three years to the Rick Hansen Foundation will help the province become a national leader in spinal cord injury research and treatment.
Hansen’s foundation has provided $200 million for research and support for people with spinal cord injuries since his Man In Motion tour, which saw Hansen circle the globe for two years in his wheelchair starting in 1985.
At a ceremony at the legislature Monday, Hansen praised the province for making the donation, which he says will give people with spinal cord injuries the opportunity to achieve their dreams.
Premier Ed Stelmach said Hansen’s foundation has been at the forefront of spinal cord research for two decades and the money will help people improve their lives.
The premier said although many people with spinal injuries would like to be working, less than 40 per cent have jobs, and the money will help to increase that number.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the completion of Hansen’s tour, which covered 40,000 kilometres through 34 countries and raised $26 million.
