RICHMOND, BC, March 16 /CNW/ - Vancouver Canucks forward Mason Raymond teamed up with representatives from 40 local charities in a friendly skate at the Richmond Olympic Oval yesterday, launching the 2011 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge and marking the countdown to the 13^th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K (SVHM) on Sunday, June 26, 2011.  This is Raymond's second year as Honorary Chair of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge.

"I'm thrilled to be back for the second year as Honorary Chair of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, and encourage everyone to 'run for the sake of others' at the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K in June," said Mason Raymond.  "There are 40 great causes to run for this year, and collectively we hope to raise more than $600,000 for these local charities."

In its 12 year history, the SVHM has raised more than $1.7 million for local charities, and the 2011 event aims to raise more than $600,000 through the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge.  To help encourage charities with their fundraising efforts, three team prizes of $5,000 will be awarded to the charity with the most funds raised overall, the charity with the most funds raised per runner, and the charity with the most runners participating (with a minimum of $10 raised per runner).

"Canadians have embraced the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge in cities across the country because it allows them to fundraise for the charity of their choice, while making a big impact on their community," said Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank District Vice-President, Downtown Vancouver and Northern B.C. District.  "This is a great race for a great city, where everyone can participate by pledging, running or cheering for a runner or charity of their choice."

The SVHM has expanded the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge to 40 local charities for the upcoming 2011 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).

"Vancouver is a great city for running, and as one of the most picturesque half-marathons in the Pacific Northwest, the run attracts participants from across Canada, the U.S. and around the world," said Clifton Cunningham, Race Director, Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K. "Registration is now open for runners and walkers of all ages!"

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.  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.

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, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over the last 5 years. Visit us at  www.scotiabank.com.

On-line registration closes at midnight June 20, 2010. To register or to donate to one of the 40 charitable recipients, please visit http://www.vancouverhalf.com.

MEDIA BACKGROUNDER

Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge

• In its 12 year history, the SVHM has raised $1.7 million for local charities.
• In 2011, the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge has expanded to include 40 local charities, up from 29 in 2010.
• The Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge is a unique fundraising and awareness opportunity for local charities.
• The fundraising goal for 2011 is $600,000

2011 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge participating charities:

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