There is still time to run, walk, pledge or cheer!HALIFAX, May 13 /CNW/ - As the clock ticks down to the start line for the
2009 Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon in Halifax, local charities are poised to
hit their stride. The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon will take to the streets
of Halifax this coming weekend and this year marks the first time that the
Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge will be a part of it, benefiting 17 local
charities.
    "Scotiabank is committed to giving back to the community and while this
is a great run, it is more than a sporting event. This year, the Scotiabank
Group Charity Challenge will help raise funds for organizations that have a
huge impact on our local community and make a difference in people's everyday
lives," said Gisela Cardwell, Scotiabank Vice-President, South West Nova
Scotia District. "On behalf of Scotiabank, I would like to thank every walker
or runner who has signed up to support a charity, and applaud everyone who has
pledged a donation."
    The Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon is expected to draw as many as 9,000
runners and walkers. The event includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10K,
5K and youth run. For the first time, the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon will
feature the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge. Under this program, charities
in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and now Halifax benefit from the generosity
of runners and their supporters. Scotiabank Group provides a series of prizes
totaling $7,500 based on participation and fundraising.
    The charities participating in the 2009 Scotiabank Group Charity
Challenge at the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon are:YMCA Strong Kids                       Dartmouth General Hospital -
    ALS Society of NS                      Revolution
    Arthritis Society - Joints in Motion   Easter Seals Nova Scotia
    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater    FEED NOVA SCOTIA
    Halifax                                Heart and Stroke Foundation of
    Brigadoon Children's Camp Society      Nova Scotia
    Brain Tumour Foundation                Molly Appeal for Medical Research
    Bryony House                           Provincial Autism Centre
    Canadian Diabetes Association of NS    Special Olympics
    Epilepsy Association of NS             Phoenix YouthThis year, the YMCA Strong Kids Program is the featured charity,
extending a very important partnership that has been in place since the
marathon's inaugural year in 2004.
    "This is a wonderful opportunity for the YMCA Strong Kids Program and we
are proud to be the featured charity for the Scotiabank Group Charity
Challenge at the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon," said Bette Watson-Borg,
President, The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth. "The YMCA's purpose is to
build strong kids, strong families, and strong communities through providing
affordable and accessible programs for the young people in our community. With
the support of our runners, we can do more for our community."
    Not a runner or walker? There are several ways to get involved with this
year's Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon.Run, Pledge or Cheer
    --------------------Run - Join runners from around the country by taking part in any of the
full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and youth run. For more information on
start times and to register: http://www.bluenosemarathon.com

    Pledge - The Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge - A great way to get
involved this year is to participate in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Make
your Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon run more meaningful by going the distance
for one of our 17 official charities. Run or walk in honour of a loved one or
simply to give something back to your community. No matter which distance you
participate in, your fundraising makes a difference! For more info:
http://www.bluenosemarathon.com/EN/charity_challenge.cfm

    Cheer - Come out and cheer on the competitors or pledge a runner taking
part in the race. More information on the runners and walkers behind the
charities can be found at
http://www.bluenosemarathon.com/EN/charity_challenge.cfm. For every great
runner, there is a great reason to run.About Scotiabank
    ----------------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 2008 the Bank provided about $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.