The cross-country trek is to raise funds for breakthrough spinal cord research that's happening right here at McMaster University Hospital. Charlie, and fellow wheelchair athletes Les McLaughlin, Harvey Uppal and Chuck Mealing, started their journey at "mile zero" of the TransCanada Highway in Victoria, B.C. on June 11 and are scheduled to arrive in St. John's, Newfoundland on September 5.

I encourage everyone to cheer on Charlie as he wheels his way through Flamborough on Friday, August 1. The team plans to enter Flamborough from Milton at the 10th Concession and continue down Centre Road into Waterdown (Hamilton Street). From there they'll turn onto Dundas Street to Howard Boulevard, then down to Aldershot before finishing the day at McMaster. More information is available online at www.wheeltowalkcanada.org.

What's exciting is that this promising research is the culmination of years of work by Dr. Michel Rathbone and Dr. Schucui Jiang at McMaster University Hospital on spinal cord rehabilitation. The goal for the marathon is to raise $10 million - only 30 cents per Canadian. Donations can be made via their website or at any branch of TD Canada Trust. Please give generously to Charlie and his crew. It's an amazing local success story of determination and spirit making a huge difference.

Speaking of wheels, while there is so much to explore in Canada during the summer months, the price of gasoline is causing all of us to make changes in our daily lives. A few changes can benefit the environment and also save us money. Tips for using your car more efficiently to reduce air pollution and save money at the pumps include servicing your vehicle for optimal engine performance, ensuring your tires are filled to the maximum recommended air pressure, reducing clutter in the trunk by removing all the stuff that is never used thereby reducing the weight, which helps improve fuel consumption and trying to drive smoothly instead of braking at high speed.

Encouraging use of public transit is also an important part of the solution. I was pleased last week to announce funding of up to $50,000 to an Environment Hamilton project to help families save money by taking HSR to local attractions.The project, which aims to market transit services and create new ridership, is funded through Transport Canada's Moving on Sustainable Transportation (MOST) program.

Best wishes for the rest of the summer. Please be safe and enjoy.