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
Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association and the Canadian Wheelchair Basketball
Association.

    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.