TORONTO, April 16 /CNW/ - The Rick Hansen Foundation is thanking hundreds
of Torontonians as they mark National Volunteer Week, from April 15, 2007 to
April 20, 2007. The volunteers are recognized for contributing their time to
make a difference in the lives of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) at the
annual fundraising event, Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion, presented by
Scotiabank.
    "We are very grateful to the thousands of volunteers who come out every
year to support Wheels In Motion," said Rick Hansen, President and CEO, Rick
Hansen Foundation. "Through their support we've raised $5.6 million since the
inception of this event five years ago, funded over 500 Quality of Life
projects and launched a spinal cord injury registry in 11 acute care and
rehabilitation centres across the country. That's progress, and we absolutely
could not have made this impact without the commitment from these volunteers."
    The Foundation is also recognizing the efforts of the Canadian Paraplegic
Association Ontario and the Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association for their
strong support as participants in and organizers of Wheels In Motion.
    Last year, volunteers rallied together to help the 4th annual Wheels In
Motion event in Toronto raise $265,388 to improve the quality of life of
people living with SCI.
    This year's event takes place on Sunday, June 10th, 2007, at 9:30 a.m. at
The Docks Polson Pier where hundreds of Torontonians of all ages will
participate in the national Wheels in Motion fundraising event. Participants
are encouraged to wheel, walk or run in support of spinal cord injury. Funds
raised from this year's event will support community-based Quality of Life
projects, as well as research that improves lives today and contributes to
finding a cure. The 5th annual event is organized by Margaret Shaughnessy
Kitts and Karen Blair, co-chaired by John Tory and Joe Brandt, as well as
Global Ontario's Susan Hay who will emcee the event.
    "Funds raised last year supported the purchase of equipment for the
Bloorview Physical Fitness Program and helped fund the Lyndhurst SCI Fitness
Centre Improvement Project," said Maureen Shaughnessy Kitts, 2007 Wheels In
Motion event co-organizer. "We couldn't have done this without the hard work
and support of our many volunteers."
    "Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion is a fantastic event which brings everyone
in the community together," said Joe Brandt, Senior Vice-President Toronto
Region, Scotiabank and 2007 Wheels In Motion Co-Chair. "Scotiabank employees
have demonstrated their dedication, hard work and generosity while supporting
the communities in which they live and work."
    The 2007 Wheels In Motion event marks the 20th anniversary of the
legendary Rick Hansen Man In Motion World Tour, where Rick and a team of
friends wheeled around the world, fueled by the dream of a fully accessible
and inclusive society and a cure for spinal cord injury. "Thanks to the
incredible commitment and generosity of so many Canadians, we are well on our
way to making this dream a reality," added Hansen.

    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. The Foundation
achieves its goals by connecting the people and resources that make innovation
possible. Through Rick's leadership, the Foundation has generated more than
$178 million for spinal cord injury related programs and initiatives.

    For details on how to get involved in your local Wheels in Motion event
or to make a donation up to June 30th, please visit www.rickhansen.com or call
1.866.60.WHEEL (94335).