GREAT CAUSE: Bruce Nygard [left] and Joe Mackenzie started out together for the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion walk. Proceeds from this year's walk are going toward a standing frame for people with disabilities. It will be stationed at the Powell River Recreation Complex

More than $4,000 has been raised for spinal cord injury research and quality of life projects through the different events that comprised the fifth annual Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion experience.

The 2007 events were locally co-sponsored by Powell River Brain Injury Society and Model Community Project for Persons with Disabilities Society.

This year, the Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion organizers' goal is the purchase of a standing frame to be stationed at the Powell River Recreation Complex. Standing frames, or "standers," are used by people with mild to severe disabilities, and allow users to self-propel themselves upright if they have the strength to push a manual wheelchair. There are currently no publicly available standing frames in Powell River. Standers provide psychological and physiological benefits inherent to the act of standing, including self-esteem and social development, and the prevention of secondary complications that often result from wheelchair use. Certain models of standers with a "glider option" may also be used for cardiovascular activities, and cost about $10,000.

Ongoing tax-deductible direct donations toward the purchase of a standing frame can still be made to the Powell River Model Community Project for Persons with Disabilities Society, at 4476A Marine Avenue, Powell River BC, V8A 2K2, 604.485.2688. Contributors must specify "toward the standing frame" on their cheque.