The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
In celebration of National Volunteer Week, April 17-23, Canada's Man In Motion, Rick Hansen, extends his gratitude to the volunteers of Flin Flon who make Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion (RHWIM), presented by Scotiabank, 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." 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 3rd Annual RHWIM event is scheduled to take place in Flin Flon on Sunday, June 12th, 2005. To support Rick Hansen and his outstanding team of volunteers, Canadians can make a donation online, or participate in the event on June 12th. Half of the net proceeds from RHWIM events are directed to priority needs identified to improve the quality of life of people living with a spinal cord injury 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." Did you know?É A spinal cord injury (SCI) can happen to anyone, at any time. Spinal cord injuries affect over 41,000 Canadians. 1,100 new injuries occur each year. 84% of injuries occur to people under the age of 34. Most common causes of SCI in Canada are: motor vehicle collisions (55%), falls (18%), other medical conditions and sports injuries, (27%). The unemployment rate for people with SCI is 62%. The cost to the Canadian health system is between $1.25 million and $25 million during the lifetime of each injured person, depending on the severity of the injury. Annual health care costs to the Canadian Health Care system for Canadians with SCI are $750 million. Ten million Canadians have some connection to men, women and children living with SCI. The Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation's mission is to accelerate improvements to the quality of life of people with SCI. Since Rick Hansen's epic Man In Motion World Tour (1985-87), the Foundation has made an impact of over $158 million in support of people with SCI. It has also created an International SCI research center, Canada's first national SCI network, established an innovative youth program and launched Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion. For information on all Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion events across the country, visit www.rickhansen.com or call 1.866.60-WHEEL (1.866.609.4335).
