Victoria, BC – With $564,286 unveiled yesterday morning at the Closing Ceremonies of the 15th Annual Vancouver Island Money Mart Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay for the Kids, the event has now raised almost $7 million over the past fifteen years. Participants from all up the island pushed their limit of endurance, stamina, and fun over the weekend as they celebrated months of fundraising for Vancouver Island’s children with disabilities. Over 30,000 donors from our island communities gave generously to support this key community event.

Over 2,500 runners, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters enjoyed the festive atmosphere at the University of Victoria. Funds raised will ensure the continued operation of the Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan, a specialized summer camping program where children with disabilities enjoy a weeklong experience at no cost to their families.

“The dedication that has gone into this event from the teams, the volunteers and the community has made this event a mainstay in Victoria for the last 15 years,” says Cliff LeQuesne, the event’s honourary co-chair. “To successfully raise almost 7 million in the past 15 years is an accomplishment that every team and supporter can be proud of.”

Top industry fundraising teams were:
• Public Service Division – “Hodgepodge Harriers” – $8,343.51
• Corporate Division – “Team Fusion” – $11,152.36
• Small Business Division – “Team CareBearz” – $15,512.91
• Recreational Division – “Sooke Lioness Lions” – $19,396.07

Overall top 5 fundraising teams were:
• #1 Fundraising Team – “Aisles of Smiles” – Thrifty Foods – $33,121.50
• #2 Fundraising Team – “Sooke Lioness Lions” – $19,396.07
• #3 Fundraising Team – “Team Carebearz” – $15,512.91
• #4 Fundraising Team – “Team Fusion” – $11,152.36
• #5 Fundraising Team – “Lightning Crickets” – $10,836.22

“Dangerous When Wet” won the Top Mileage Award, running a total of 130 laps and “Team Carebearz” won Best Campsite Award with their Care Bears theme. “All Miller – No Filler” was awarded the prestigious Best Team Spirit Award to sole team member Jon Miller for his amazing spirit. Jon ran 60 laps for a full 24 hours.

National title sponsor of the Relay is National Money Mart. Major sponsors of the Relay are Thrifty Foods, University of Victoria, 100.3 the Q!, The Zone @ 91.3, Times Colonist, CHEK NEWS, Ric’s Grill, Sharp’s Audio Visual, Caorda Web Solutions.

Money Mart first launched its 24 Hour Relay fundraising campaign in 2003. Every year since then, Money Mart branches have bested their fundraising totals from the previous year, bringing Money Mart’s fundraising total to more than $1.5 million.

“We cannot thank Money Mart enough for its outstanding support,” says Max Beck, CEO of Easter Seals Canada. “Every year Money Mart employees and customers continuously raise the bar, enhancing the lives of more people with disabilities. We are very grateful to partner with Money Mart which has always shown tremendous enthusiasm for making a difference in the communities it serves.”

“We are incredibly proud of our on-going involvement with Easter Seals and can’t thank our staff and customers enough for their tremendous efforts year after year,” says Larry Taylor, President, National Money Mart. “The programs and services provided through Easter Seals helps thousands of kids with physical disabilities in so many ways and we’re absolutely thrilled to be a part of it.”

The 29th annual Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay raised $3.2 million for Easter Seals programs and services. The Easter Seals 24 Hour Relay brings together more than three hundred teams in nine cities, comprising 7,500 participants who fundraise for months leading up to the 24 Hour Relay in June. Participants lace up their running shoes and bring their commitment and enthusiasm for the only 24 Hour event that mixes athletics with wacky fun. For more information: www.24hourrelay.ca.

Owned by Dollar Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: DLLR) Money Mart is Canada’s largest convenience-based retail financial services provider. A pioneer and leader in cheque cashing and payday loan services, Money Mart has served millions of Canadians since 1982 and continues to provide instant financial solutions in over 450 locations across Canada. Additional Money Mart services include Western Union money transfers, prepaid products, tax preparation, bill payments and currency exchange. For more information: www.moneymart.ca and www.dfg.com