CPA Ontario

Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PADDLE FOR POSSIBILITIES

A Two-person, 80 km Canoe Trip in a single day to raise funds for Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario

On Friday June 27, 2008 Adam McAllister and Shane Sanford are attempting a 80km, two-person Canoe Trip from Peterborough to Campbellford (17 hr) in a single day to raise funds for Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario. They are doing so in honour of those who have sustained spinal cord injuries and still see the world full of possibilities. The two men will be departing Del Crary Park, Peterborough at 5 a.m. and plan on arriving in Campbellford around 10 p.m.

Who: Adam McAllister and Shane Sanford – Adam’s Brother-in-law, Andrew Reichert, sustained a spinal cord injury in 2005

What: An 80km, two-person canoe trip from Peterborough to Campbellford (17 hr) in a single day to raise funds for Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario.

Where: Departing Del Crary Park, Peterborough at 5 a.m.

When: Friday, June 27, 2008

Why: To raise awareness about living with a spinal cord injury.

It is estimated that everyday in Ontario, one person is involved in a traumatic accident that results in injury to the spinal cord (SCI). Given the paraplegia or quadriplegia that results from SCI, people with SCI face many obstacles including a plethora of secondary health complications, accessibility issues, social acceptance and low self-image. All of these obstacles can negatively affect quality of life. This awareness-raising event will help to shed light on these issues.

“When my brother-in-law was paralysed, I felt helpless. But I watched in awe as he moved past his accident towards his new life with strength, courage and hope. The Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario helps thousands of people just like him every year to overcome obstacles and begin again to see the world as it's meant to be seen – full of possibilities. So, this June 27 I’m taking action to support the work of CPA Ontario, because it turns out that none of us are helpless. Sometimes we just need a canoe, a paddle and hope for what is possible.” -Adam McAllister

 

“Nearly two years ago, I was involved in an accident and I became a paraplegic. In one day, in one quick moment, my entire life changed and I was faced with many new challenges. The Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario helps people to deal with the medical and emotional impacts of spinal cord injuries. They offer information, support and other invaluable professional services that help people every day to regain their independence. While my life is much different today, with every change, there is always hope and the possibility of strength that you never knew that you had." -Andrew Reichert

If you would like to donate to support Paddle for Possibilities: Please link to the Paddles for Possiblities Donate Page. **Please Note: The form you link to will ask for First Name and Last Name... First Name = Paddle; Last Name = for Possibilities. This will ensure the money YOU donate is in honour of Adam and Andrew.

On behalf of CPA Ontario, thank you for your donation, and thank you Adam and Andrew for your spirit.

Contact: Stephanie Bolton

stephanie.bolton@cpaont.org

705-743-2507 or

Adam McAllister

paddle4possibilities@gmail.com

705-742-3416.

This event has been made possible through generous support and sponsorship from Wildrock – Source for Adventure (www.wildrock.net) and Church Key Brewery (www.churchkeybrewing.com).