BMO Vancouver Marathon Announces Record-Breaking Fundraising Total

Nearly 600 runners signed up to raise funds for a cause at the 2015 BMO Vancouver Marathon

Vancouver, BC – June 9, 2015 – Runners participating in the BMO Vancouver Marathon have outdone themselves in 2015, and nearly doubled their fundraising efforts over 2014. This year, Run4Hope athletes raised over $729,000 that will go towards social impact and community betterment.

“This is a remarkable contribution, we are so grateful to all of the runners who were able to participate in the charity program,” says Charlene Krepiakevich, Executive Director of the Vancouver International Marathon Society.

Based on a program introduced in 2013, Run4Hope gives runners the opportunity to fundraise or donate to one of the 30 National, Official, or Community Charities. Although the Run4Hope charity program is in its third year, the BMO Vancouver Marathon has helped runners raise over 14 million dollars for charity over the past 15 years.

“We are pleased to be working with 30 well-deserving charities that are committed to making a profound difference to the lives of people within the community and across the country,” says Krepiakevich.

This year’s top Individual fundraiser, Lynne Parshall, raised over $21,000 for Team in Training a supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) of Canada. Team in Training was also awarded top charity fundraiser group overall.

“Every week we reflect on the journeys of patients and their families. We see first hand the value the LLS community brings to these journeys,” says Parshall. “My teammates have become my best friends. Their passion and dedication are amazing. And for all of us, when we don’t think we can make it through the next mile, we think of why we are out there… and we keep going.”

In addition to dollars raised, charities are great partners and provide a valuable number of volunteers towards the 4,000 individuals that donate their time during race weekend.

“The thing I like the most about the Vancouver Marathon is that when I began this a quarter century ago, it was more about proving yourself,” says Erik Graff, who has volunteered 25 years with the event. “Nowadays we have organizations coming in, doing charitable work too, and I think that’s really wonderful – and that to me is one of the biggest blessings that we’ve developed over and beyond merely doing a marathon.”

“We are also now serving a purpose which is wonderful,” says Graff.

Local charity partners were also honoured at the Vancouver International Marathon Society’s Community Awards in May for their help in bringing Marathon Weekend to life. Team Finn was awarded “Best Group or Team Costume” and ‘NSTEP (Nutrition Student Teacher Exercising with Parents) won “Best Cheer or Dance Routine” in the new Neighbourhood Challenge presented by Chevron.

“As a non-profit organization, we are in pursuit to better our community and that’s why these programs, volunteers, and charities are so very valued and cherished. With these great organizations, we work together to achieve mutual goals,” adds Krepiakevich.

Listed below are the 2015 Run4Hope charities:

National Charities

• Down Syndrome Research Foundation
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
• Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver
• Team in Training: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Official Charities

• British Columbia Schizophrenia Society
• Ronald McDonald House, BC
• Team Finn Foundation
• World Vision – Team World Vision
• Michael J. Fox Foundation – Team Fox
• KidSafe Project Society
• Canadian Cancer Society
• Josh Platzer Society for Teen Suicide Prevention & Awareness
• Canadian Diabetes Association – Team Diabetes

Community Charities

• Variety – The Children’s Charity
• BC Epilepsy Society
• ‘NSTEP to Prevent Childhood Obesity
• Boys and Girls Clubs of South Coast BC
• The Arthritis Society, BC & Yukon
• Heart & Stroke Foundation
• Alzheimer Society of British Columbia
• Quest Food Exchange
• Take a Hike Youth at Risk Foundation
• BC SPCA
• The Kidney Foundation of Canada, BC Branch
• Canadian Blood Services
• Covenant House Vancouver
• Pets and Friends Society
• Prostate Cancer Foundation B.C
• Royal Canadian Legion Foundation BC/Yukon Command

Charity Partners do amazing things for the community and the communities they serve. Runners may support them and give back by making a donation during registration. To make additional donations after registration or to invite family and friends to donate, visit the Make a Donation page at bmovanmarathon.ca.

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