Rick Hansen celebrates great Canadian difference makers in an evening of inspiration

Foundation sets the stage for the next 25 years with launch of national fundraising initiative

VANCOUVER, March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - On May 22, the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay will complete its cross-Canada journey in Vancouver, marking the culmination of the 25th Anniversary of Hansen's Man In Motion World Tour. To celebrate this significant day, Canadian difference makers and entertainers will gather at Pacific Coliseum for Rick Hansen Celebration 25, a spectacular live show presented by McDonald's. This milestone day will also serve to launch the first annual Rick Hansen Day of Possibilities - a national public fundraising campaign, which sets the stage for the next 25 years of progress in the areas of spinal cord injury (SCI) research, accessibility and inclusivity.

"I continue to be humbled by the outpouring of support we receive from Canadians and am honoured to be celebrating 25 years of life-changing progress," said Rick Hansen. "It's amazing to think that such an outstanding group of Canadian entertainers and difference makers will be coming together on May 22nd to help celebrate this special day."

Notable Canadians, including environmentalist, David Suzuki, Free The Children founder, Craig Kielburger, and Paralympic gold-medalist Lauren Woolstencroft, will participate in the show as part of a group of outstanding Canadians who are inspiring reminders of what can be done to bring positive change to their communities.  This two-hour special event will also feature performances by award-winning Canadian artists, including David Foster, Sarah McLachlan, Jann Arden, The Canadian Tenors, Marianas Trench and Johnny Reid.  Tickets go on sale today at 10:00am PT through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.ca for $25.00, $55.00 and $95.00.

"I feel so grateful to have had the opportunities that I've had in my life," said Jann Arden. "I have had many, many people help me along my way, so it feels great to be able to be involved in paying it forward. There is nothing that enriches my life more than making a difference in the lives of others. I only hope that it inspires others to do the same, to be involved, to help, and to make a difference in their own communities."

May 22 also serves as an opportunity for the Rick Hansen Foundation to launch a new public awareness and fundraising campaign - Rick Hansen Day of Possibilities - to continue mobilizing Canadians to make a difference and fundraise in support of the work of the Rick Hansen Foundation. Day of Possibilities will serve as an annual rallying point for Canadians to come together - on or before May 22 of every year - engaging individuals and communities to hold a variety of fundraising activities and events in support of SCI research and accessibility programs.

"May 22nd is a meaningful day for me. Twenty-five years ago on this day, I realized my journey had only just begun," said Rick Hansen. "Since then, with the support and generosity of Canadians, we have achieved so much - but I truly believe that our best work is yet to come. Through the Day of Possibilities, we are inviting all Canadians to come together and help us continue transforming lives as we work toward a healthier and more inclusive world."

Detailed information on the Rick Hansen Day of Possibilities can be found by visiting www.rickhansen.com/possibilities, where Canadians are encouraged to register their individual or community fundraising event, receive event ideas, support, and promotional materials.  Community events taking place across Canada, along with inspiring stories of fundraisers, will be profiled on the Foundation's website and Facebook page. The Foundation is pleased to host a draw for exciting prizes, available to eligible participants who raise funds for the Day of Possibilities.

Media Materials: Day of Possibility Backgrounder and graphics, Celebration 25 backgrounder, artist publicity images, and media highlight reel are available via FTP site: ftp.rickhansen.com
Username: media
Password: RHmed1a1994

About the Rick Hansen Foundation:

In 1987, following the Man In Motion World Tour (MIMWT), Rick established the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) to continue his quest for an accessible and inclusive society and a cure for spinal cord injury (SCI). Under Rick's leadership, RHF functions as a social innovator - finding collaborative solutions to challenges in the community and the resources necessary to implement those solutions. RHF has been successful in leveraging the original $26M raised during the MIMWT to more than $245M in support of people, programs and research in pursuit of a healthier and more inclusive world. As part of the 25^th Anniversary campaign, the Rick Hansen Foundation has launched a national public fundraising campaign to support ongoing programs and initiatives.  For ways to get involved, or to make a donation, please visit www.rickhansen.com.

SOURCE Rick Hansen Foundation