CRS home >> Scotiabank Vancouver Half
NEWS — June 10, 2008
Racing to find a cure
Scotiabank Half Marathon and 5k Walk/Run Charity Challenge helps the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon
Vancouver, June 10, 2008 — The 10th annual Scotiabank Half Marathon and 5k Walk/Run taking place on Sunday June 22nd at UBC will host thousands of runners including stroke recovery survivor, Judy Campardo.
Judy, 37 is thrilled to be participating in the 5 km portion of this event which supports the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon. She had just completed her first Triathlon when she suffered a stroke at the age of 29. She has been an avid runner, considers herself to be in great shape and like many of us considered heart disease and stroke to be an older and/or less healthy person's condition.
The reality is that it is important to be able to recognize the five warning signs of a stroke including weakness, trouble speaking, vision problems, headache and dizziness. "I am so grateful to be running again, able to keep up with my two boys and enjoy an active lifestyle," says Judy of North Vancouver. The Heart & Stroke Foundation says that physical activity can be a lifesaver – literally. When you're active 30 to 60 minutes a day, most days of the week, you can dramatically lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular activity also helps prevent and control risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity.
In its nine year history, the SVHM has raised $746,000 for health-care related charities. In an exciting development to celebrate the event's tenth anniversary the SVHM has expanded the Scotiabank Group Charity Challenge to ten charities. Increasing the scope of this unique fundraising and awareness opportunity will boost event participation and fundraising dollars to support the following charities whose programs and services assist hundreds of thousands of clients across the province each year:
- The Alzheimer's Society of B.C.
- The Arthritis Society, B.C. & Yukon Division
- BC Children's Hospital Foundation
- Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver
- Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland
- CKNW Orphan's Fund
- The Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
- Rick Hansen Foundation
- VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation
"We're proud of what we've been able to give back to the community over the past nine years," said Rob Wilkins, Scotiabank's Vice-President, Downtown Vancouver and Northern B.C. District. "To continue this great legacy, and to support our charitable partners, Scotiabank will offer reduced entry fees for all runners and walkers who fundraise for one of the ten charities."
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 4,500 runners and walkers of all levels, including many elite athletes and visitors to the city.
Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. In 2007 the Bank provided more than $43 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, social services and arts and culture. To learn more about how Scotiabank supports the communities where its employees live and work please visit www.scotiabank.com.
On-line registration closes June 17, 2008. To register or to donate to one of the ten charities, please visit www.vancouverhalf.com.