MONTREAL, May 30, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - National Bank and the Young Leaders Circle are proud to announce that the Urban Duathlon to raise funds for the Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation has surpassed this year's objective of $350,000. In fact, this third edition of the event raised $360,000 for a very worthy cause: supporting the health of children and expectant mothers in Quebec.
Approximately 400 people took part in the event, which brought together members of the business, media and sports communities at Place Ville Marie in Montreal. Alexandre Bilodeau, Canadian Olympic Champion, was the honorary chair of the race, which pitted more than 115 teams of three—two Bixi-bikers and a runner—against each other, to raise money for the future Center of excellence for neonatal intensive care at Sainte-Justine UHC.
Cheered on by their co-workers and members of the public, participants traded in their work shoes for running shoes and went all out in this exciting relay race. Numerous prizes were drawn to reward participants. However, the true winners of this friendly competition are the children who receive care at Sainte-Justine UHC.
"This year, National Bank launched its One for Youth Program, which focuses on promoting the health and well-being of young people. It was therefore quite natural for us to continue our association with the Urban Duathlon, a friendly race that encourages people to get moving while raising funds for healthcare," said Lise-Anne Amyot, Vice-President - Brand Image and Data Governance at National Bank.
Each year, National Bank supports hundreds of Canadian organizations through donations and sponsorships. It is particularly committed to young people through its One for Youth program, ensuring they are healthy and have the tools they need to become engaged citizens who are committed to building a better world. To learn more about the initiatives supported by the Bank and its employees, visit youth.nationalbank.ca.
About the Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation
Through community support, the Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation strives to accelerate the pace of the leading-edge research at Sainte-Justine, in an effort to heal more children and do it better. The Foundation is committed to building a healthier tomorrow by delivering a standard of care that is among the best in the world. www.fondation-sainte-justine.org
About National Bank of Canada
With $185 billion in assets as at April 30, 2013, National Bank of Canada (www.nbc.ca) together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups, and has been named among the 20 strongest banks in the world by Bloomberg Markets. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities via social media and learn more about its extensive community involvement at clearfacts.ca and commitment.nationalbank.ca.
Image with caption: "Goal exceeded! Canadian Olympic Champion and honorary chair of the race, Alexandre Bilodeau (left), and volunteers of the Urban Duathlon, presented by National Bank, unveiled the total of funds raised by the third edition of this event for Sainte-Justine UHC Foundation. (CNW Group/National Bank of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130530_C3483_PHOTO_EN_27284.jpg
SOURCE: National Bank of Canada
