Popular Community Days at Hastings Racecourse Continue with Nine Groups Invited to Participate this Racing Season

Fun-filled Live Racing Events Part of Community Benefits Program

VANCOUVER, April 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Hastings Racecourse continues to honour its commitment to non-profit organizations in Hastings-Sunrise and across Vancouver with the selection of nine participants for the 2012 'Community Days at the Track' program.

As part of an overall Community Benefits Program, each year the designated organizations have the opportunity to raise funds on a 'live' race day at Hastings Racecourse. The package includes exclusive use of the Marquee Tent, a food donation worth $1,500 plus a direct donation of $5,000 from Hastings Racecourse.

Each Community Partner will have a race named after its organization with an invitation for selected representatives to gather in the winner's circle to share in the celebration and take part in a souvenir victory photo.

Raj Mutti, General Manager of Racing for the Company, and his team are proud to be able to support so many important community organizations through this program.

Of the many applications submitted to be part of the 2012 Community Benefits Program, the following groups have been selected:

Westcoast Family Centres Society - Serving East Vancouver and the north part of the city of Vancouver in contributing to the healthy development of children by providing services to strengthen the relationships between children, families and their communities.

Variety - The Children's Charity - Since 1965 Variety's mission has been to raise funds and distribute grants throughout B.C. to inspire hope, enrich lives and build a better future for children with special needs.

Arts Umbrella - A not-for-profit arts education centre for children and youth (ages 2 to 19) that is committed to delivering the highest quality visual and performing arts education to young people regardless of their socio-economic circumstances.

Kiwassa Neighbourhood Services Association - Serving the Hastings-Sunrise community since 1949, Kiwassa's mandate is to identify and respond to areas of greatest need in the community and to provide a broad range of programs and services.

Warriors Against Violence Society - The Warriors Against Violence Society is committed to helping First Nations families unlearn abusive and violent behaviours and reclaim their traditional values of equality, honour and respect for themselves and others.

New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society - Founded in 2002, New Stride is dedicated to finding loving adoptive homes and alternative careers for Thoroughbred racehorses no longer able to compete.

CircusWest Performing Arts Society - Teaching circus arts to youth in the east Vancouver area for 25 years with aims to develop skills, build confidence and inspire passion through training and performance.

The Kettle Friendship Society - Helping individuals dealing with mental illness, low incomes and substance abuse by providing information and referrals with regard to mental health, income assistance, debt, child protection and tenancy matters.

Greater Vancouver Theatre Alliance - Incorporated in 1983, an association of more than 100 theatre companies and individual members who promote live theatre and foster a thriving environment for the continued growth and development of theatre through Greater Vancouver.

"We are very proud to include these organizations in our 2012 Community Benefits Program," said Howard Blank, Vice President and Spokesperson for the Company.  "Each of the selected charitable groups is very deserving and Hastings Racecourse encourages charitable groups and organizations not listed to apply again in 2013."

Hastings Racecourse & Slots is located in Vancouver, BC and features live and simulcast wagering, a vibrant slot gaming floor, numerous dining options, private and public event facility rental opportunities, spectacular views of the North Shore Mountains, and outstanding guest service.

Racing Related Enquiries:
Raj Mutti
604.216.5245

Media Enquiries:
Howard Blank
604 512 6066