10^th Anniversary Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way draws over a thousand to build a better city

TORONTO, June 16, 2011 /CNW/ - Tonight, the downtown streets were crawling with "rats" as more than a thousand people laced up their runners as part of the Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way. The racing "rats" donned rat ears and whiskers, and then took to the streets in support of the community.

"When it comes to strengthening our city, we know we can't do this work alone," said Louise Bellingham, Vice President of Marketing at United Way. "It takes all of us pulling together to improve conditions in our community. The Scotiabank Rat Race is a great way for people to get involved and be part of making a difference."

Bellingham was joined at the event by Chris Hodgson, Group Head, Global Wealth Management, Scotiabank.

"Ten years running, it's great to see that the Scotiabank Rat Race is still an enormously popular and successful event", said Chris Hodgson, Group Head, Global Wealth Management, Scotiabank. "Support of social services represents an important pillar of Scotiabank's global philanthropic program, 'Scotiabank Bright Future'.  As a proud member of the Toronto community, Scotiabank is honored to support United Way and the great work they do for this city."

Pledges raised by participants will support United Way's efforts to improve social conditions in Toronto. United Way funds front-line services through a network of agencies that support people when they need it most. United Way funds go even further by supporting strategies aimed at improving under-served neighbourhoods by focusing on systemic barriers that limit opportunity for a good life.

The 2011 Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way would not be possible without the generous support of title sponsor Scotiabank and media sponsors: The Globe and Mail, 680 News, The Fan 590, 98.1 CHFI, One Stop Media, Business News Network, and Investment Executive.

To download photos of the event go to http://www.flickr.com/ and look up "United Way Toronto Rat Race."

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About United Way
Established in 1956, United Way Toronto is a registered charity and community impact organization dedicated to improving lives and strengthening neighbourhoods across Toronto. United Way identifies needs and takes action to create a better, safer, stronger city 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 at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/