Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge raises more than $900,000 for 54 local
    Charities

    TORONTO, Dec. 7 /CNW/ - Scotiabank, along with 54 local charities from
across the GTA, celebrated a $912,372 record-breaking fundraising total from
the 2007 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, through the Scotiabank Group
Charity Challenge. This year's marathon also broke the Canadian Men's
All-comer's record with the fastest marathon ever on Canadian soil (2:09:30),
and was the first-ever Canadian marathon to be televised "live".
    The winners of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge were announced at a
celebration breakfast this morning, along with new prizing for runners up.
Charities competed to raise the most money, to have the most runners
participate in the charity challenge, and to raise the most money per runner.
The top three charities in each category were awarded a cash donation of
$7,500, $5,000 and $2,500.
    This year's fundraising efforts surpass last year's Charity Challenge
total of $703,000.
    "Scotiabank is especially proud to be able to support and enrich our
community through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge," said John Doig,
Senior Vice-President Marketing, Scotiabank. "In its fifth year, the Challenge
has proven to be a successful initiative that brings people together in
support of causes that are important to the communities in which we live and
work."

    The winners of the 2007 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge are:

    Most pledges raised:

    1. Epilepsy Toronto, $87,616.11
    2. Giant Steps Toronto/York Region, $87,574.31
    3. Philip Aziz Centre, $50,528.50

    Most runners (raising $10 or more):

    1. Assaulted Women's Helpline, 150 runners
    2. A Run for Liane, 110 runners
    3. Hope for Children Foundation, 55 runners

    Most money raised per runner:

    1. Mon Sheong Foundation, $3,985.39/runner
    2. Daily Bread Food Bank, $1,535.67/runner
    3. Aspergers Society of Ontario, $1,190.42/runner

    The Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon has become one of the premier
sporting events in Toronto and across North America. It is recognized as an
international celebration of athletics and a community celebration of healthy
living and of a great city. Over the past five years, the Scotiabank Group
Charity Challenge has raised more than $2.85 million for local charities
across the GTA. Each year, more money is raised, bringing more runners and
their families from all over the world to Toronto.
    "You didn't have to be on the Lakeshore to hear the crowds of spectators
cheering," said Alan Brookes, Race Director. "Part of the excitement of such a
great event is that it gives back to the communities it runs through. While
bringing people from all over the world to our great city, it helps support
year-round, local neighbourhood programs and families."

    Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live
and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally
and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic
activities, 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 and social services. Scotiabank is on the World Wide
Web at www.scotiabank.com.