Eleventh anniversary event aims to surpass $1.2 million mark in funds
    raised for local charitiesVANCOUVER, April 23 /CNW/ - Representatives and clients from fifteen
local charities joined Scotiabank today to unveil a fundraising goal of
$300,000 for the 2009 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge and mark the count
down to the Eleventh Anniversary Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k
(SVHM), which takes place Sunday, June 28, 2009.
    In its ten year history, the SVHM has raised $950,000 for local charities
and hopes to surpass the $1.2 million mark in cumulative funds raised this
year. Due to the overwhelming success of the past ten years, the SVHM has
expanded the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge to fifteen charities for the
upcoming 2009 event. 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:-   Adoptive Families Association of B.C.
    -   Alzheimer's Society of B.C.
    -   The Arthritis Society, B.C. & Yukon Division
    -   BC Cancer Foundation
    -   BC Children's Hospital Foundation
    -   Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver
    -   Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland
    -   BC SPCA
    -   CNIB
    -   The Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon
    -   The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
    -   MS Society of Canada - BC & Yukon Division
    -   St. Paul's Hospital Foundation
    -   Tapestry Foundation for Health Care
    -   YWCA Vancouver"Event participants have embraced the Charity Challenge because it
enables them to fundraise for the charity of their choice. We're pleased to
expand the number of participating charities to give participants and the
community even more choice," said Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank's Vice-President,
Downtown Vancouver and Northern B.C. District. "To help surpass the $1.2
million dollar mark in cumulative funds raised, Scotiabank is pleased to offer
reduced entry fees for all runners and walkers who fundraise for one of the
fifteen charities."
    The Bank will offer the early bird registration fee of $30 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. "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 2008 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.
    On-line registration closes June 22, 2008. To register or to donate to
one of the fifteen charitable recipients, please visit
http://www.vancouverhalf.com./NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available on
    the CNW Photo Network and archived at http://photos.newswire.ca.
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