VANCOUVER, April 25 /CNW/ -What:      Representatives and clients from six local charities will join
               Scotiabank to officially launch the Scotiabank Group Charity
               Challenge and mark the countdown to the Ninth Annual
               Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k (SVHM), which takes
               place Sunday, June 24, 2007.

    Where:     Robson Square, Vancouver, B.C.

    When:      Thursday, April 26, 2007, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (photo opportunity
               at 12:35 p.m.)

    Why:       The Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge is an exciting
               development to support several local health care-related
               charities and boost participation and fundraising dollars. To
               encourage participation and support our charitable partners,
               participants who raise a minimum of $50 for the 5k, or minimum
               of $100 for the half-marathon, will have their entry fee
               waived by Scotiabank. Organizers will also announce the
               addition of another exciting prize fundraisers and donors can
               qualify for.

    Who:       Event organizers, charitable representatives and clients will
               speak briefly:
               Dr. Peter Lennox, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
               Michele Morrison, The Arthritis Society, B.C. and Yukon
               Division
               Stephanie Huehn, BC Children's Hospital Foundation
               Judy Campardo, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon
               Teri Thorson, Rick Hansen Foundation
               Ms. Paddy Aiken, accompanied by PADS Service Dog Rowan, St.
               Paul's Hospital Foundation
               Clifton Cunningham, Race Director, Canada Running Series
               Dianne Alderman, Scotiabank Branch ManagerPhoto and interview opportunities:

    Charitable representatives and clients will be available to discuss their
organization, the valuable programs and services they provide to the community
and the unique fundraising opportunity this event provides. The photo
opportunity will feature Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge representatives
taking the ceremonial first step at the SVHM start line.