Participants can run for free by fundraising for one of six respected
    B.C. charities

    VANCOUVER, April 26 /CNW/ - Representatives and clients from six local
charities joined Scotiabank today to officially launch the Scotiabank Group
Charity Challenge and mark the countdown to this year's Scotiabank Vancouver
Half-Marathon & 5k (SVHM), which takes place Sunday, June 24, 2007.
    In its eight year history, the SVHM has raised $530,000 for local health
programs funded by the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. In an exciting
development to support additional health care-related charities and to boost
participation and fundraising dollars, the SVHM is launching the Scotiabank
Group Charity Challenge, a unique fundraising and awareness opportunity for
the event's charitable partners:-  VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
        -  The Arthritis Society, B.C. and Yukon Division
        -  BC Children's Hospital Foundation
        -  The Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon
        -  Rick Hansen Foundation
        -  St. Paul's Hospital Foundation"This is a great race for a great city, because it brings so much back
into the community," said David Poole, Scotiabank's Senior Vice President,
B.C. & Yukon Region. "To encourage participation and to support our charitable
partners, Scotiabank will waive the entry fees for all runners and walkers who
raise the required minimum pledge amounts."
    The Bank will pay the entry fee of 5k participants who raise a minimum of
$50 and of Half-Marathoners who raise a minimum of $100 in pledges for one of
the six charitable partners. 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 Bank is also providing one Trip for Two to the Scotiabank Toronto
Waterfront Marathon on September 30, 2007. Participants who raise, and on-line
donors who pledge, a minimum of $500 will be eligible and will be
automatically entered in the random draw.
    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 2006 the Bank provided more than $42 
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.

    To register, or for more information about the run and the six charitable
recipients, please visit http://www.canadarunningseries.com/svhm.

    /NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release will be
available later today on the CNW Photo Network and archived at
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