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The very soft rock
By Cam Tait
August 28, 2006
Rick Hansen will always remember the folks of Newfoundland. So, it wasn’t really surprising to see Hansen on television last week visiting Cape Spear - the place he shoved off. It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years ago. I was fortunate to be there, that wet and windy morning, hearing the rugged waves slam on the rocks of the most easterly point of North America when he took those few first strides west to Vancouver. And as I watched Hansen being interviewed, I was reminded of the generosity of Canadians ... and how the people of Newfoundland set a strong example for the rest of the country.
When he got to St. John’s Hansen was pretty disappointed, although his expression and language would never lead one to believe different. Wheeling up the eastern seaboard of the United States was lonely. There were no television cameras. Very few donations. And Hansen had to wonder how he was going to make it across the cold Canadian prairie.
I’ll never forget sitting in my wheelchair at the top of a hill, a good half mile in front of Hansen on his first day back on Canadian soil. A boy of 10 years old came up to me. He had two dollar bills in his hand and some change. “Are you the man in the wheelchair?”
“No,” I said. “But if you wait here just a few minutes, he’ll be coming by.”
The youngster took a hard look at his money. “I took this from my piggy bank and I would like him to have it. Will you give it to him for me?”
“I have a better idea,” I said. “Why don’t you wait here and give it to him yourself?” He didn’t say anything for a few seconds. “OK, I’ll stay right here.” And his attitude and generosity was so refreshing.
My new friend and I chatted for a few minutes. Hansen came up the hill and saw the young boy with the money in his pocket. Hansen slowed down for a minute, smiled and shook his hand. And for the next five days, I saw the same thing over and over again. People stopped in the middle of the highway to shake his hand. The media was quick to pick up on it and, with Hansen’s personable appeal, things were starting to grow and grow.
Within just days of wheeling on Canadian soil, he was a national hero. People were transforming their affection into money — something that was new to the Hansen crew. There’s a story that circles around the Hansen crew following their first night in Newfoundland. Big green plastic bags were dumped by crew members in their motel rooms and they couldn’t believe the dollar bills and change they found. Not only was it a financial injection for Hansen, it was a great morale boost.
We all know the rest of the story: how he made a triumphant tour across Canada and returned home to a hero’s welcome in Vancouver, raising over $26 million for spinal cord research and rehabilitation.
After seeing it first hand I have always said - and my belief is stronger now - Newfoundland embraced Hansen and Canada followed suit. Yet, we’re told, time and time again, about the poverty in Newfoundland. Maybe, that’s what makes them care so much.
Hansen’s return to Cape Spear speaks volumes of what he thinks of the province and its people. So, Newfoundlanders, take a well-deserved bow.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He covered charitable issues for almost 20 years. Thoughts, comments, ideas or a simple hello are welcomed at cam@charityvillage.com.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
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