Expands Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge to benefit ten local charities

    VANCOUVER, April 30 /CNW/ - The countdown is on for The Tenth Annual
Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k (SVHM), which takes place Sunday,
June 22, 2008. Thousands of runners and walkers, including many Scotiabank
employees, will join forces to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for ten
local charities through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge.
    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 include ten local 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 ten years," said Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank's Vice-President, Downtown
Vancouver and Northern B.C. District. "To continue this great legacy, and to
support our charitable partners, Scotiabank will 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.
    "The event's tenth anniversary is a testament to its stature in the
running community," 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
http://www.vancouverhalf.com.