Tradition continues at Hastings Racecourse as 15 non-profit local organizations receive support through the 'Community Days At The Track' Program

Groups Invited to Raise Funds on Designated Race Days

VANCOUVER, March 4, 2013 /CNW/ - The results are in and 15 non-profit organizations in Hastings-Sunrise area and across Vancouver have been selected to participate in the 2013 Community Days at Hastings Racecourse this summer.

As part of a unique Community Benefits Program, each year designated organizations are invited 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 the celebration and take part in a souvenir victory photo.

"Each year the popularity of our Community Days at the Track program grows immensely," said Raj Mutti, Regional General Manager, BC Racing.  "We are proud to be able to sponsor so many important non-profit organizations in our community. Each of the selected charitable groups is very deserving and we encourage those not selected this year to apply again for 2014."

"Being an active and socially responsible corporate citizen is very important to us as we strive to give back to the community in which we operate", added Mutti.

Of the many applications submitted for the 2013 dates, the following groups have been selected:

Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of B.C. - Volunteer organization committed to helping people help themselves and others deal with crisis. For over 42 years, the Crisis Centre has been a safe place to turn to when there seems to be no hope.

Pacifica Treatment Centre Society - Promote health and recovery from addiction through treatment, education and support that strengthens individuals, families and communities.

Spinal Cord Injury BC - Helping people with SCI and related disabilities adjust, adapt and thrive by providing answers, information and community experiences. Currently serving over 1,200 people with spinal cord injury in British Columbia.

New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society - Dedicated to finding long-term, caring adoptive homes and new careers for former thoroughbred racehorses.

The KidSafe Project Society - Providing nurturing safe havens to vulnerable inner-city children when schools are traditionally closed.

Pink Ink Theatre Production Association - PI Theatre produces bold and uncompromising plays that explore modern life, engaging audiences with theatre that is intellectually alive and emotionally charged.

Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Theatre - Creating "theatre that matters", committed to the pillars of story, investigation collaboration and artistic risk.  They embrace boldness and practice simplicity.

Vancouver Police Historical Society - Established in 1983 to foster interest in the history of the Vancouver Police Department and to create and maintain a museum to display artifacts from VPD history, to educate the community about the challenges of law enforcement, encouraging communication and cooperation between the VPD and the community it serves.

Ray-Cam Cooperative Centre - Neighbourhood centre for young and old, a place for recreation and social activities where learned skills can be shared and new skills can be learned.  Provides personal and family support services and offers an out-of-school pre-school and day-care program for children.

Potluck Café Society - Transforming lives by creating jobs with training and providing healthy food for people living in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.

Children's Hearing & Speech Centre of BC - A family-oriented clinical and educational centre teaching deaf and hard of hearing children to listen and speak.  We provide services from infancy to high school graduation.

Dr. A.R. Lord Parent Advisory Council - A group of dedicated community-minded parents and caregivers supporting activities and projects that enhance children's education.

Hastings Elementary Community School Parent Advisory Council - 'PAC' works to enrich the education of children through supporting school activities and fostering parent involvement.

Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre - A community-driven non-profit volunteer organization that provides leadership and services to promote safe, healthy and thriving neighbourhoods.

Chinese Community Policing Centre -  Mission is to work with the Chinese community,  the Vancouver Police Department and other service providers to enhance the safety and quality of life for Chinese speaking people.

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

SOURCE: Hastings Racecourse

Raj Mutti         604.216.5245
Howard Blank 604.512.6066