The 'puck drops' in the countdown to the 12th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K

WEST VANCOUVER, March 29 /CNW/ - Vancouver Canucks forward Mason Raymond traded his skates for sneakers today in a ceremonial 'puck drop' as he faced off with representatives from 28 local charities to launch the 2010 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge and mark the countdown to the 12th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K (SVHM) on June 27, 2010.

As Honorary Chair of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, Raymond participated in a friendly game of road hockey with charity representatives and minor hockey players from the North Shore Winter Club and encouraged the public to 'run for the sake of others' at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon & 5K.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to come on board as Honorary Chair of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge and help increase awareness of an event that raises funds for so many local charities," said Mason Raymond. "I think this is a great opportunity for people to run in honour of someone they care about and raise money for one of the many worthy causes represented in the Charity Challenge".

In its 11 year history, the SVHM has raised $1.2 million for local charities, and the 2010 event is aiming to reach a fundraising goal of $400,000 and surpass the $1.5 million mark in cumulative funds raised.

The SVHM has expanded the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge to 28 local charities for the upcoming 2010 event. Increasing the scope of this unique fundraising and awareness opportunity will boost event participation and fundraising dollars to support charities whose programs and services assist hundreds of thousands of people across the province each year. (For a full list of participating charities, see attached backgrounder).

"People have embraced the Charity Challenge because it allows them to fundraise for the charity of their choice," said Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank's Vice-President, Downtown Vancouver and Northern B.C. District. "Scotiabank covers all of the costs associated with the Charity Challenge, including the on line pledging system, so the charities receive 100 per cent of the funds raised on their behalf."

The SVHM will offer the early bird registration fee of $30 to 5K participants and $60 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 approximately 5000 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and visitors to the city.

"Vancouver is a great city for running," said Clifton Cunningham, Race Director, Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K. "As one of the most picturesque 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 2009 the Bank provided about $39 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 at midnight June 21, 2010. To register or to donate to one of the 28 charitable recipients, please visit http://www.vancouverhalf.com.

Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge
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    -   In its eleven year history, the SVHM has raised $1.2 million for
        local charities.

    -   In 2010, the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge has expanded to
        include 28 local charities, up from 15 in 2009.

    -   The Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge is a unique fundraising and
        awareness opportunity for local charities.

    -   The fundraising goal for 2010 is $300,000 and aims to surpass
        $1.5 million mark in cumulative funds raised.

    2010 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge participating charities:
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    Adoptive Families Association of BC
    Alzheimer Society of B.C.
    Amnesty International
    The Arthritis Society, B.C. & Yukon
    Arts Umbrella
    Asthma Society of Canada
    Giovanni Bastone Foundation
    BC Cancer Foundation
    BC Children's Hospital
    BC SPCA
    Children's Heart Network
    Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver
    Big Sisters of BC Lower Mainland
    Canadian Liver Foundation
    CNIB
    Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada
    Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation
    Engineers Without Boarders
    Fragile X Foundation
    Heart and Stoke Foundation
    The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
    MS Society of Canada - BC & Yukon Division
    MusicFest Vancouver
    St. Paul's Hospital Foundation
    Tapestry Foundation
    Vancouver Aquarium
    YWCA Vancouver
    Gymnastics Canada