LANGLEY/ BC (June 2, 2009) – The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), Bentall LP and Willowbrook Shopping Centre today launched “Hands Up Canada”, a partnership to bring together shopping centres, communities and schools to raise funds and support for Canada’s Paralympic winter athletes.

Hands Up Canada will engage students from across the nation, asking them to decorate a hand in support of Canada’s Paralympic winter athletes. In Langley, over 2,500 students and 13 Elementary Schools are participating!

The public can purchase the hands for $2.00 each at participating shopping centres in their areas, and will also receive an uncirculated Paralympic quarter.  The proceeds from each hand purchased will go to support Canadian Paralympic winter athletes.

“Our shopping centres have proudly banded together to educate our customers on the athleticism and competitiveness of Paralympic Sport, as well as fundraise to support Canadian Paralympic winter athletes,” said Bonney Rempel, Regional Director, Marketing, Bentall - Retail Services West. “Hands Up Canada will give Canadians the opportunity to show their support for Canada’s Paralympic Winter athletes in their quest to win.”

26 shopping centres, managed by Bentall LP are participating in the campaign running until March 2010 that will also include appearances and autograph signings by Paralympic athletes.

“With champions in all of the Paralympic winter sports, Canada is well on its way to having its strongest Paralympic Team ever.” said Brian MacPherson, Chief Operating Officer for the Canadian Paralympic Committee. “One of the most important things left to do is for Canadians to show their support through programs such as Hands Up Canada.”

Limited edition commemorative pins have been created and will be sold for $5 each at participating shopping centres.

“On behalf of our shopping centres, Bentall LP is honoured to be recognized as an Official Program Partner of the Canadian Paralympic Committee which supports Canadians with a disability to excel in sport.  Our campaign goal is to collectively fundraise $25,000,” said Domenic Imbesi, Regional Director, Marketing Retail Services East, Bentall LP

For more information on Hands Up Canada visit www.handsupcanada.com.
•    Enter to Win a VIP Trip for 2 to support our Paralympic Team!  Package includes airfare, 2 nights at the Crystal Lodge, Whistler, 3 days of sport competition and official Paralympic Team Canada Gear!
•    Send your personal message to the Canada Paralympic Team.
•    Kids from anywhere in Canada can download a colouring entry.
•    Latest updates on local Special Events hosted by sponsoring shopping centres.

Participating Shopping Centres:

BENTALL CENTRE, Vancouver, BC            CAPILANO MALL, North Vancouver, BC
CLOVERDALE MALL, Etobicoke, ON            COUNTRY HILLS TOWN CENTRE, Calgary, AB
DALHOUSIE STATION, Calgary, AB            DORVAL CROSSING EAST, Oakville, ON
DORVAL CROSSING WEST, Oakville, ON        DRIFTWOOD MALL, Courtenay, BC
HAZELDEAN MALL, Kanata, ON            INTERCHANGE PLAZA, Vaughan, ON
MARCHE CENTRAL, Montreal QC            MILTON MALL, Milton ON
NORTH HILL CENTRE, Calgary, AB            PARK & TILFORD, North Vancouver, BC
SHERIDAN CENTRE, Mississauga, ON            SQUAMISH STATION, Squamish, BC
TAMARACK CENTRE, Cranbrook, BC            THE VILLAGE AT VAUGHAN MILLS, Vaughan, ON
VILLAGE GREEN MALL, Vernon, BC            WESTGATE CENTRE, Maple Ridge, BC
WESTMOUNT SHOPPING CENTRE, London, ON        WESTSHORE TOWN CENTRE, Langford (Victoria), BC
WILLOWBROOK SHOPPING CENTRE, Langley, BC    WILLOWBROOK SHOPPING PARK, Langley, BC
WINDSOR CROSSING, LaSalle, ON

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee                                                                                             The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is a non-profit, private organization with 42 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement by empowering Canadians with a disability through sport. The CPC is responsible for managing the team of athletes who represent Canada at Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the CPC inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by our members. For more information visit, www.paralympic.ca

About Bentall LP
Bentall LP is one of North America’s foremost real estate advisory and service organizations and is known for integrity, innovation and results.  Our comprehensive capabilities encompass asset and portfolio management, property management, leasing and development.  A fully integrated approach allows us to deliver superior results from offices across Canada, in the United States and China.  Bentall has an organization-wide commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. www.bentall.ca