Participants are encouraged to run or walk their 'virtual
race' independently to support 36 participating charity partners
from 16 countries
TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, RBC opened
registration for its first global and virtual charitable running
event, as part of its signature Race for the Kids series.
Fundraising from the event will benefit youth and children's causes
around the globe, with 36 charity partners that participants can
elect to support. Facing the significant disruption of the COVID-19
pandemic, the youth-focused services provided by these charity
partners are needed now more than ever.
Instead of a standard running event format, participants will
enjoy an innovative virtual experience through the event's online
registration and fundraising website:
- Registering for the event is free and open to all, regardless
of geography, age, or running ability.
- Participants can elect to support any of the participating 36
charity partners, regardless of where they are physically
located.
- Participants will be able to select their personal race
distance and route in their local community (with no pre-determined
race course).
- Participants are encouraged to complete their run or walk
independently or with family members (while observing local public
health advice and government guidelines) over the October 17-18 weekend.
- The event website integrates with many running apps, allowing
participants to record and map their virtual run or walk.
- Runner bibs, event posters, and completion certificates will be
available for download through the event website.
- Participants will also receive digital medals and recognition
which can be shared on social media.
RBC's goal for the event is to create 'the world's largest
virtual family fun run,' with all RBC employees, their
family/friends, charity partner supporters, and members of the
public invited to take part.
"The global pandemic has disrupted several aspects of our lives.
For many young people, the crisis has negatively impacted their
mental health and well-being, access to education, and employment
opportunities," said Dave McKay,
President and Chief Executive Officer, RBC. "That's why we're
taking our RBC Race for the Kids to a virtual format this year – to
ensure we can continue to address these needs, supporting young
people and their families facing these challenges. I want to thank
our 36 charity partners for their ongoing dedication to youth in
this critical year and am looking forward to Race weekend."
Prior to 2020, RBC Race for the Kids events took place in 17
physical locations, including: Bahamas, Barbados, Calgary, Chicago, Hong
Kong, Jersey, Kuala Lumpur,
London, Montreal, New
York, Ottawa, Seattle, St.
Paul, Sydney, Toronto, Trinidad
& Tobago, and Vancouver. Since its inception in 2009, the
series has attracted more than 260,000 participants and raised over
$57 million for youth and children's
causes around the world.
In addition to hosting this virtual event, RBC has committed
$10.5 million to date towards food
security, mental health, and strategic preparedness in response to
the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, RBC donated $130 million to nearly 5,000 charitable
organizations, globally.
To learn more about RBC Race for the Kids, its charity partners,
or register for the virtual event, visit:
www.rbcraceforthekids.com.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with
a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading
performance. Our success comes from the 86,000+ employees who bring
our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients
thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest
in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified
business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional
experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn
more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives
through donations, community investments and employee volunteer
activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
Josh Humeniuk, Corporate
Communications, RBC, 416-567-5607, josh.humeniuk@rbc.com