Media Advisory - Vancouver Canucks forward Mason Raymond skates with 55 local charities to kick off the 2012 Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge

RICHMOND, BC, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Mason Raymond, Vancouver Canucks forward and Honorary Chair of the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge, is taking to the ice on March 5 with representatives from a record 55 local charities to launch fundraising for the 14^th Annual Scotiabank Vancouver Half- Marathon & 5K, which will be held on Sunday, June 24, 2012.

WHAT:	Official Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge kick-off (fundraising platform for the Scotiabank Vancouver Half- Marathon & 5K).
	Mason Raymond teams up with representatives from 55 official charities for a friendly skate to encourage the public to 'run for the sake of others' at this year's event.
WHO:	Mason Raymond, Vancouver Canucks forward & Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge Honorary Chair Representatives from 55 official Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge charities Clifton Cunningham, Race Director, Scotiabank Vancouver Half- Marathon & 5K Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank District Vice President, Downtown Vancouver and Northern B.C. District
WHERE:	Richmond Olympic Oval 6111 River Road, Richmond, B.C.
WHEN:	Monday, March 5, 2012
	2:00 p.m. - Remarks 2:10 p.m. - Q&A 2:20 p.m. - Skate with charity and community representatives 3:00 p.m. - Autograph signing with Mason Raymond
WHY:	In its 14-year history, the Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon has raised over $2.5 million for local charities. This year, the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge has expanded to include 55 community charities, with a fundraising goal to raise 13% more than in 2011 for a total of $650,000.

About the Scotiabank Vancouver  Marathon Half-Marathon & 5K:
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 6,000 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and visitors to the city. The Scotiabank Vancouver Half-Marathon & 5K takes place on Sunday, June 24 starting at 7 a.m. for the Half and 9:15 a.m. for the 5K.  Register today at www.vancouverhalf.com

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.

 

Randy Clegg
Media Relations Manager, Canada Running Series 
[email protected] 

Michelle Henderson
Manager Community Engagement &
Sponsorships Scotiabank, BC & Yukon 
Michelle[email protected]

Diana Hart
Media Communications, Scotiabank
[email protected]m or 416 866 7238