Preliminary Results indicate Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion has raised more than $2 million

Thousands of people came together this June in communities across Canada to gain a better understanding of what itis like to navigate through life in a wheelchair. In the process they raised millions of dollars for people living with spinal cord injury (SCI). Funds are still coming in, but preliminary results indicate that the 6th annual Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion, presented by Scotiabank, has raised more than $2 million.

"I am overwhelmed by the support Canadians have shown for this event," said Rick Hansen, President and CEO of the Rick Hansen Foundation. "Thanks to the hard work of thousands of volunteers and participants, this year's Wheels In Motion looks to be the most successful ever. I am amazed by the commitment that people from across this country have made to help improve the lives of
people with spinal cord injury, and I am proud to say that their efforts are making a difference."

Canadians have now contributed more than $9.6 million to Wheels In Motion since its inception in 2003 to support more than 750 Quality of Life projects in communities from Victoria to St. John's. These life-changing projects have given thousands of Canadians the opportunity to live their lives with greater dignity and independence and allowed them to play a more active role in their communities.    "So many people have united with a desire to make this country a better place for people living with spinal cord injury, and we will make sure that their efforts result in a country that is more accessible and inclusive," said Hansen. "Through Quality of Life initiatives we will help as many people as
possible live active and healthy lives."

For the sixth straight year, a cross section of Canadian corporate leaders, disability organizations, volunteers and members of the SCI community joined forces to make Wheels In Motion a day to remember.    "Wheels In Motion couldn't be such a success if not for the generousity of partners like Scotiabank and the dedication and hard work of thousands of volunteers who organize and stage this event every year," said Bill Crook,Executive Director of Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion. "The results of these incredible efforts can be seen in the hundreds of projects we have funded and thousands of lives we have touched through Wheels In Motion."
Wheels In Motion benefits greatly from 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 Paraplegic Association, Canadian Wheelchair Sports Association and Canadian Wheelchair
Basketball Association.

Funds raised through Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion are allocated through the Spinal Cord Injury Solutions Network, composed of people with SCI, researchers, service providers and others who are are passionate about developing solutions for Canadians living with SCI. The Spinal Cord Injury Solutions Network works at the local, regional and national levels to identify priority needs and deliver customized solutions, from point of injury to full community participation.