In celebration of National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, Canada’s Man In Motion, Rick Hansen, extends his gratitude to the volunteers of Belleville who make Rick Hansen’s Wheels In Motion (RHWIM), presented by Scotia Bank, a reality. Since inception, RHWIM volunteers across Canada have helped to raise over $1.8-million to improve the quality of life of Canadians living with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).
“We are so grateful to the volunteers who support our Foundation,” says Rick Hansen, CEO and President of the Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation. “They are dedicated individuals and I have a deep appreciation for the time and effort they provide in helping to make a difference in the lives of people with SCI.” “We are so grateful to the volunteers who support our Foundation,” says Rick Hansen, CEO and President of the Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation. “They are dedicated individuals and I have a deep appreciation for the time and effort they provide in helping to make a difference in the lives of people with SCI.”
According to a recent survey, approximately 1.5 million Canadian volunteers collectively contribute about 114 million hours of volunteer time annually. That is the equivalent of approximately 60,000 full-time jobs!
“Through countless hours and tireless commitment, our Wheels In Motion volunteers have been instrumental in raising funds that have helped to support newly injured people as they integrate back into their community. Funds have been directed to everything from education and skill development to assistive devices and enhanced transportation and accessibility,” Hansen went on to say.
The third Annual RHWIM event is scheduled to take place in Belleville on Sunday, June 12, 2005. To support Rick Hansen and his outstanding team of volunteers, Canadians can make a donation online, or participate in the event on June 12. Half of the net proceeds from RHWIM events are directed to priority needs identified to improve the quality of life of people living with an SCI in event communities. The other half is directed toward research, ultimately leading to a cure.
“Without the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteers, Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion events could simply not take place,” says Hansen. “The power of people coming together around a common goal like this proves that anything is possible when we set our mind to it.”
