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Vancouver, BC - The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver together with Acting Deputy Mayor Sam Sullivan, will host an outdoor reception for quadriplegic REALTOR John Ryan, at noon on Thursday, September 9 at Vancouver City Hall. This Meet and Greet will welcome John to Vancouver, one of the last stops he'll make before he ends his five-month handcycle journey across Canada to raise funds and awareness for spinal cord research.

John lost the use of his lower body when his car slid off an icy road in Whistler in 1994. Prior to the crash, John was the top REALTOR in Whistler for both 1993 and 1994. Since his accident, he has continued to place in the top three every year.

"I'm lucky to have the use of my hands, arms and upper body," says John Ryan. "As I regained my strength and resumed my career I vowed to do something for those who were injured more severely than I was. I met a man a few days ago who says he just wants to be able to feed himself - those are the people who were my inspiration for doing this."

To date, the Tour has raised more than $660,000 for Canadian spinal cord regeneration research. Greater Vancouver REALTORS plan to contribute another $6,000 to this total. As John completes the homestretch for Whistler, he hopes that BC residents will generously donate to this important cause.

The public is encouraged to show its support for John Ryan by attending the lunch-hour reception on City Hall's lawns. Drinks and snacks will be available for guests to enjoy compliments of Gatorade and Bagel Street Cafe.

Questions about John Ryan and how to make a donation to spinal cord research can be directed to the Regeneration Tour hotline at 1-800-570-3222.

REALTORS are active fundraisers and volunteers throughout the year and the John Ryan Regeneration Tour is but one example of their extensive community involvement. Through membership in the REBGV they volunteer their time and energy all year round to improve the social and economic well-being of the communities in which they work and live.