This year's
Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon raised a record-breaking $4.3 million for 181 local charities, surpassing last year's total of more than $3.7 million.
The announcement of the official total came at an awards ceremony last Monday where Scotiabank also announced the winners of their annual Charity Challenge and Neighbourhood Challenge, presenting cash prizes totaling $52,000.
The Charity Challenge, the fundraising component of the annual marathon, pits local charities against each other in a friendly competition to see who can get the most participants running for their cause, who can raise the most fundraising dollars per fundraiser, and, of course, as who can raise the most funds.
At this year's marathon in October, more than 180 local charities took part. The 2012 Charity Challenge winners are:
Highest fundraising dollars raised:
- Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation - $664,493
- SickKids Foundation - $253,914
- Salt & Light Catholic Media Foundation - Fountain of love and Life - $119,333
Most participating fundraisers:
- Engineers Without Borders - Run to End Poverty - 268 runners
- A Run to Remember (supported by Armenian Community Centre) - 202 runners
- Epilepsy Toronto - 200 runners
Highest fundraising dollars per fundraiser:
- Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation - $3,345
- Fragile X Research Foundation of Canada - $3,103
- Sheena's Place - $2,966
Awards were also given out to winner's of the Scotiabank's Neighbourhood Challenge, a competition which encourages neighbourhoods that the marathon goes through to create the largest cheering stations on race day. This year's winners were Greek Town, St. Lawrence Market (hosts St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association) and Liberty Village/King West (hosts St. Christopher House).
Writer: Katia Snukal
Source: Scotiabank