Runners will fundraise for 76 local charities as part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, helping to reach the $7 million mark in Vancouver

VANCOUVER, June 19, 2017 /CNW/ - Thousands of runners are marking the start of summer by preparing for the 19^th annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k on June 25, 2017. As one of Vancouver's premier running events, the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k attracts runners and walkers of all levels – many of whom will participate in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge to support one of 76 local charitable organizations this year.

The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a turnkey fundraising program that provides a simple way for runners to support the charity of their choice and make a significant impact locally. Participating charities keep 100 per cent of the proceeds raised, as Scotiabank pays for all transaction and credit card fees.

"Thanks to the dedication of our Scotiabank Charity Challenge participants, and the generosity of Vancouverites – we've seen our fundraising efforts reach new heights year after year, helping make a meaningful impact in the community," said Winnie Leong, Senior Vice President, BC & Yukon Region at Scotiabank. "We are thrilled to celebrate a special milestone this year as we look to reach and surpass the $7 million mark, since the start of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge in Vancouver in 2007."

"It's exciting each June, to welcome everyone to one of the most scenic half-marathons in Canada," said Alan Brookes, Canada Running Series Race Director and President. "The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon and 5k kicks off the summer season for runners while providing them with a way to make every step count – through the support of 76 local charities. Both the athletic and fundraising performances will make this another great race weekend to remember."

Scotiabank offers the Scotiabank Charity Challenge at six sponsored marathon events across Canada including Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Halifax.

Scotiabank believes in helping young people reach their full potential, and many organizations that take part in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge have a direct impact on youth. Young people are our future leaders, and it's important to provide them with the skills and resources they need to succeed.

For a complete list of 2017 charities participating in the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, please visit the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k's website.

Part of the Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a friendly competition between the charities for $24,750 in cash prizes consisting of $4,250 for 1^st place, $2,500 for 2^nd, and $1,500 for 3^rd in the following categories:

• The Official Charity that has the most fundraising runners.
• The Official Charity that raises the most fundraising dollars.
• The Official Charity that raises the largest amount of pledge dollars per fundraising runner.

How to get involved:

• Register for an event: Register for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k at www.vancouverhalf.com until Monday, June 19^th at midnight.
• Fundraise: Once registered, sign up for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge and raise funds for a participating charity.
• Share! Share your story behind why you support your charity, using #runScotia.
• Donate: Visit the Scotiabank Charity Challenge website to select an official charity and make a one-time donation.
• Cheer: Support friends and family along the race route and as they cross the finish line. You can also show your support to runners online by using the hashtags #ScotiaHalf and #runScotia on Twitter and Instagram.

About Scotiabank
At Scotiabank, we aim to support organizations that are committed to helping young people reach their full potential. Young people are our future leaders and Scotiabank's goal is to help ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources they need to support their success. Together with our employees, the Bank supports causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2016, Scotiabank contributed more than $70 million to help our communities around the world.

Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, and Asia-Pacific. We are dedicated to helping our 23 million customers become better off through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of more than 88,000 employees and assets of over $921 billion (as at April 30, 2017), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (TSX: BNS) and New York Exchanges (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

About the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon
The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5k is part of the prestigious Canada Running Series. As one of Vancouver's premier running events, the "Scotia Half" attracts more than 6,500 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and spectators to the city. Canada Running Series is the nation's premier running circuit with events in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. It annually attracts over 60,000 participants and raises more than $6 million for some 320 charities. Canada Running Series is strongly committed to staging great experiences for runners of all levels from first time runners, charity supporters and Canadian Olympians; and to making sport part of sustainable communities and the city-building process. Our mission is "building community through running". For more information please visit: www.CanadaRunningSeries.com

SOURCE Scotiabank