TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 26, 2014) - A record number of participants are expected to lace up their shoes this Saturday for the 19 th annual Pride and Remembrance Run, presented by BMO Financial Group. The race is a long-standing part of Toronto Pride Week, which is devoted to the celebration and support of the LGBT community.
As WorldPride kicks off, the Pride and Remembrance Run is the largest fundraising event held during Pride Week. This year, more than 1,500 participants will raise money to benefit three Toronto organizations: Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, Fife House and the Pride and Remembrance Foundation.
| WHO: | Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario |
| Bernardine Perreira, Co-President, Pride and Remembrance Association | |
| Deborah Berwick, President, Pride and Remembrance Association | |
| Tony Tintinalli, Regional Vice President, Toronto Downtown, BMO Bank of Montreal | |
| Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, Ward 27, Toronto Centre-Rosedale | |
| WHAT: | 2014 Pride and Remembrance Run presented by BMO Financial Group |
| WHEN: | Saturday, June 28, 2014 |
| 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon ET | |
| Race begins at 10:00 a.m. ET | |
| Awards Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. ET | |
| WHERE: | Corner of Church and Wellesley Streets (Start / Finish line) |
| Cawthra Square Park - Awards ceremony |
"The Pride and Remembrance Run has grown to become a highly anticipated and widely celebrated event within Pride Week celebrations in Toronto each year. This year, the run takes place during an especially exciting time, as Toronto plays host to WorldPride 2014, and an expected 1.2 million visitors," said Gavin Clark, Investment Advisor, BMO Nesbitt Burns, and Chair of BMO Pride, BMO's LGBTQ employee resource group. "Many of the 1,500 volunteers and runners will sport special edition BMO Pride t-shirts in celebration of diversity and inclusion."
"I always enjoy running in the Pride and Remembrance Run - it is one of the highlights of Pride Week," said Hon. Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario. "This year has particular significance for me as Ontario's first Gay Premier. I am so proud and fortunate to live in our beautiful and inclusive province. Congratulations to BMO and all the volunteers for your dedication and generosity in making this year's Run such a tremendous success. Thank you for showing the world that no matter who you love, Ontario welcomes you. Happy WorldPride."
"The Pride and Remembrance Run is the perfect example of people coming together to take part in a healthy event" said Deborah Berwick, President of the Pride and Remembrance Association who puts on the annual Pride and Remembrance Run. "Not only do people participate, but you can watch as the generosity of our community takes off as shown in our fundraising results. This Run really is about promoting and fostering community spirit and sportsmanship."
The five-kilometre race kicks off with a stretching and yoga session led by Michael DeCorte of Jock Yoga at the start line.
About the Pride and Remembrance Run
In 1996, three gay athletes founded the Pride and Remembrance Run, an annual five-kilometre run / three-kilometre walk coinciding with Toronto's Pride Week. It was dedicated to partnering the themes of PRIDE and REMEMBRANCE with community celebration and personal achievement.
The Pride and Remembrance Run has become an annual tradition promoting and fostering community spirit, goodwill, volunteerism and sportsmanship in the LGBT community. For more information, visit priderun.org .
About BMO and Diversity
From the development of the first Registered Disability Savings Plan to sponsorship of the Pride and Remembrance Run, BMO is committed to promoting accessibility, inclusivity and equality. This commitment extends to initiatives outside the workplace into all communities where BMO operates.
