Bank of Nova Scotia and The Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation today announced a 10-year, $4 million partnership, which includes the launch of a new community-based program to raise awareness of spinal cord injury.

The partnership agreement is the first of its kind for The Rick Hansen Man In Motion Foundation and will build upon the vision of inspiring Canadians to come together and help others through community building. The funds will support the leadership work of the Foundation, including the Rick Hansen Foundation Ambassador Program which consists of more than 200 people with spinal cord injuries who will be sharing their stories of courage, hope and inspiration in communities across Canada.

“Scotiabank believes that it has a responsibility to play a positive role in the communities we serve and is proud to fund programs like the Rick Hansen Foundation Ambassador Program because it makes a difference in the lives of others,” said Rick Waugh, president and CEO, Scotiabank, in a release.

“These Ambassadors will be inspiring Canadians as they share their message that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. Over the coming weeks, they will be speaking in communities across the country.”

Scotiabank also continues its role as Presenting Partner for Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion fundraising events, which have raised more than $3.6 million to improve the quality of life of people with spinal cord injury and related disabilities.

Since Rick Hansen’s epic Man In Motion World Tour (1985-87), the Foundation has raised over $158 million in support of people with spinal cord injuries.