Runner's & Triathlete's Web Athletics: Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge expands to ten charities

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Tenth anniversary event aims to surpass $1 million mark in funds raised for charities

VANCOUVER, May 13 /CNW/ - Representatives and clients from ten local charities joined Scotiabank today to celebrate the expansion of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge and mark the countdown to the Tenth Anniversary Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k (SVHM), which takes place Sunday, June 22, 2008.

In its nine year history, the SVHM has raised $746,000 for local health-care related charities. In an exciting development to celebrate the event's tenth anniversary, the SVHM has expanded the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge to ten charities. Increasing the scope of this unique fundraising and awareness opportunity will boost event participation and fundraising dollars to support the following charities whose programs and services assist hundreds of thousands of clients across the province each year:

 	    -   The Alzheimer's Society of B.C.
	    -   The Arthritis Society, B.C. & Yukon Division
	    -   BC Children's Hospital Foundation
	    -   Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver
	    -   Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland
	    -   CKNW Orphan's Fund
	    -   The Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon
	    -   The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
	    -   Rick Hansen Foundation
	    -   VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

"We're proud of what we've been able to give back to the community over the past nine years," said Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank's Vice-President, Downtown Vancouver and Northern B.C. District. "To help break through the one million dollar mark in cumulative funds raised, Scotiabank is pleased to offer reduced entry fees for all runners and walkers who fundraise for one of the ten charities."

The Bank will offer the early bird registration fee of $25 to 5k participants and $50 to half-marathoners who commit to fundraising, regardless of when they register for the event. Scotiabank is also sponsoring three team prizes, each worth $5,000. The charities that raise the most money, raise the most money per runner and have the most runners participating (with a minimum of $10 raised per runner) will each win $5,000.

The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As one of Vancouver's premier running events, the SVHM attracts more than 4,500 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and visitors to the city.

"Vancouver is always a popular runner's destination," said Clifton Cunningham, Race Director, Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k. "As one of the most scenic half-marathons in the Pacific Northwest, the run attracts participants from all across Canada, the U.S. and around the world."

Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. In 2007 the Bank provided more than $43 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. To learn more about how Scotiabank supports the communities where its employees live and work please visit www.scotiabank.com.

On-line registration closes June 17, 2008. To register or to donate to one of the ten charitable recipients, please visit Vancouverhalf.com.