Rick Hansen was in Steveston on Sunday to make the first donation to his namesake foundation, which has been chosen by World Cup Steveston organizers as the charity of choice for the month-long event.
Event organizers Davood Khatami, of Bean and Beyond, and Dominique Jarry, of Sugar Art, accepted a crisp $20 bill from Hansen that will go to local projects run by the Rick Hansen Foundation.
"You never know when you start down a journey where the impact will be. But you're creating one here,” Hansen told the thankful pair.
World Cup Steveston is a month-long affair that starts June 12. Merchants throughout the village will host daily events, honouring the participating nations of the World Cup. Fundraising will take placeuntil the finals on July 13.
“We’re honoured to have Rick join us in this wonderful event,” said Khatami.
Hansen’s foundation raises awareness for accessibility as well as contributes funds to projects that are wheelchair friendly.
Hansen said there are 30 schools in Richmond that take part in his school program that encourages children to be champions of accessibility and change.
"Youth are some of the most potent ambassadors for change in this movement," he said.
"You can extend the awareness into a practical project depending on how many resources come in," said Hansen, who met with the Richmond News at the Steveston dock, which ironically was not wheelchair accessible, an example, he says, of the need to keep the message alive.
"Isn't it appropriate that in order to do this photo we had to overcome a barrier that prevented a person with a disability from being part of an inclusive community,” he said.
Hansen is a long-time Richmond resident who raised three children in the community.
"Soccer has been a big part of our life so it's great to have the soccer community engaged as well," said Hansen, whose daughters played soccer.
So who will win the World Cup?
"I have to say Brazil. I always love to go with the host team. I'm thinking they're going to be a big powerhouse for this one," quipped Hansen.
Hansen is known as the 'Man in Motion' for his around-the-world trip in 1985 to raise funds for spinal chord research. He carried the Olympic flame into BC Place stadium at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Visit www.worldcupsteveston.com for information on merchant events.
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