TORONTO, June 12 /CNW/ - Over 1,200 runners from across the city, many in
"cheesy" rat-inspired costumes, scurried up Bay Street and down Yonge Street
in a 5km dash as part of this evening's 8th Annual Scotiabank Rat Race for
United Way.
    Pledges collected by these rat runners will go towards United Way
Toronto's Community Fund, supporting its network of 200 health and social
service agencies as well as its work in the city's 13 priority neighbourhoods.
    "For its eighth consecutive year, Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way has
brought a large number of enthusiastic runners and volunteers together in a
common purpose," said Susan McIsaac, Vice-President of Resource Development at
United Way Toronto. "Together, we can successfully address the root causes of
our city's shared challenges to build a stronger community for all."
    McIsaac was joined by Chris Hodgson, Executive Vice-President and Head of
Domestic Personal Banking at Scotiabank.
    "It's wonderful to see so many supporters participating in this year's
event," said Hodgson. "Each year, hundreds of Scotiabank employees get
involved in the Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way and we encourage all
Torontonians to come together in support of an organization that continues to
make a difference in our community."
    Pre-race festivities at Scotia Plaza were led by guest emcee Rudy Blair
from 680 news. Runners were treated to performances by the Pepsi Tropicana
Steel Orchestra and comedy daredevil DynaMike. United Way agency YMCA Toronto
led runners in an energetic warm up.
    The 2008 Scotiabank Rat Race is made possible thanks to the generous
support of title sponsor Scotiabank, prize sponsor Sony, runner's bag sponsor
CEO TV and media sponsors the Globe and Mail, OneStop, 98.1 CHFI and 680 News.

    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 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. Visit us at
www.scotiabank.com.

    Established in 1956, United Way Toronto is a registered charity and
community impact organization dedicated to improving lives and strengthening
neighbourhoods across the city. United Way identifies needs and takes action
to create a better, safer, stronger community through research, partnerships
and support of a network of 200 health and social service agencies./NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available on
    the CNW Photo Network and archived at http://photos.newswire.ca.
    Additional archived images are also available on the CNW Photo Archive
    website at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited
    members of the media/