Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and Capital One Launch Capital One Race for Kids

It's not a run. It's not a walk. It's something different!

TORONTO, March 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada has partnered with Capital One to launch its first ever national fundraising initiative.

Capital One Race for Kids is an exciting new urban, adventure race taking place in 14 communities across Canada in 2012, including Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. This is the first time a Canadian not-for-profit has created a national fundraising event based on the adventure race model. Teams of five will tackle a series of challenges at 10 checkpoints across their city in a race to the finish line while reliving great memories of their childhood.

"Capital One Race for Kids recreates the best adventures of childhood," said Pam Jolliffe, President and CEO, BGCC. "We're excited to launch our national fundraising event, and encourage Canadians to embrace the fun of being a kid. The funds raised from the Capital One Race for Kids will help boys and girls across the country to have that same opportunity."

Interested Race participants have the option to compete in two unique events:

On Thursday, May 31, corporate teams will gather at Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto to participate in the flagship Capital One Race for Kids National Kick-Off Event.

On Saturday, June 2, 2012, racers in 14 communities across the country will be able to take part in Capital One Race for Kids events organized by local Boys and Girls Clubs.

"We believe in the great work that the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada do to address the challenges that Canadian children face on a daily basis, whether it's youth violence, substance abuse, poverty or school drop-out rates,"  said Rob Livingston, President, Capital One Canada.  "We've come on board as presenting sponsor of the Capital One Race for Kids in Year One to increase our support of the clubs as they strive to positively impact our communities across the country..."

More information about the National Kick-Off Event and local Capital One Race for Kids events in your community can be found at www.raceforkids.ca.

About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada

Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is a leading non-profit organization providing programs that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of more than 200,000 children, youth and their families each year. In 580 community locations across Canada, Boys and Girls Clubs offer opportunities, after school and at other critical times when children are not in school, to develop healthy behaviours, academic success, positive relationships, and life and leadership skills. 

Clubs also provide nutritious snacks and meals and many offer emergency shelter, family support programs and other help to children, youth and families in need. Boys and Girls Clubs have been helping young Canadians to discover, develop and achieve their potential for over 100 years.

To learn more, visit www.bgccan.com.

About Capital One

Located in Toronto, Ontario, Capital One has offered Canadian consumers a range of competitive MasterCard credit cards since 1996, when the company first introduced the Platinum MasterCard in Canada. Capital One Canada is a division of Capital One Bank, a subsidiary of Capital One Financial Corporation of McLean, Virginia (NYSE: COF). Capital One is committed to investing in youth in our communities through program investment and the skills and dedication of our talented associates.

National Checkpoint Sponsors of Capital One Race for Kids are easyhome and 7/11.

For media inquiries about Capital One Race for Kids, please contact:

Christine Hogg
Communications Specialist, TrojanOne
[email protected] 
416-355-2684