VANCOUVER, BC - March 11, 2015 /CNW/ - The countdown is on for the 2015 Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K on June 28, 2015! Scotiabank invites runners who plan to participate in this competitive road race to give back to important causes through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge by supporting one of more than 70 registered charities.

"The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is an integral part of the Half-Marathon and 5K because it raises much needed funds for local community charities," said Winnie Leong, Scotiabank Senior Vice President of the BC and Yukon Region. "I welcome our 2015 charities, and encourage runners of all ages as well as their friends and family to take part in helping us reach our 2015 fundraising goal of $1,000,000. Every step helps build a stronger community."

Participants can visit www.vancouverhalf.com to sign up for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge to fundraise for a local community charity, pledge or join a charity team. Click on the Charity Info section on the website.

Through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge, participating charities keep 100 per cent of the proceeds raised as Scotiabank covers all of the transaction, credit card and administrative fees associated with the fundraising event. Last year, the 2014 Scotiabank Charity Challenge raised over $950,000 for 77 local charities and, since the event was established, Vancouver is approaching $10,000,000 in total funds raised.

Each year, three event charities are selected as featured charities. These organizations receive increased visibility and exposure through the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K to help support fundraising efforts.

2015 Scotiabank Charity Challenge Featured Charities:

1. Women Against Violence Against Women - The Women Against Violence Against Women Rape Crisis Centre was founded in Vancouver in 1982 to end all forms of violence against women and to create a society where all women are free from violence.
2. Music Heals - The Music Heals Charitable Foundation works to increase patient access to music therapy for children, seniors, palliative care, burn units, bereavement, rehabilitation and more.
3. Tapestry Foundation - The Tapestry Foundation for Health Care raises funds for hospitals, hospices and residences in Metro Vancouver to enhance the care experience for aging hospital patients and residents in facilities operated by Providence Health Care -- one of the largest faith-based health care organizations in Canada.

The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon provides a fundraising opportunity for both local and national charity groups through the Scotiabank Charity Challenge. Part of the Challenge is a friendly competition between the charities for $25,000 in cash prizes consisting of $4,000 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.
• An additional $1,000 for the Official Charity of the Fundraising Runner with the largest total dollars fundraised.

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 SVHM attracts more than 7,000 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and spectators, to the city. The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K takes place on Sunday, June 28, starting at 7:30 a.m. for the Half-Marathon and 9:30 a.m. for the 5K. Register today at www.vancouverhalf.com.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is Canada's international bank and a leading financial services provider in North America, Latin America, the Caribbean and Central America, and parts of Asia. Through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world.

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