PR85562

TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

- Participants are encouraged to run or walk their 'virtual race' independently

to support 36 participating charity partners from 16 countries

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 (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2914870-1&h=2781699872&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbc.com%2F&a=rbc.com

).ý

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 (

https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2914870-1&h=1207202086&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rbc.com%2Fcommunity-social-impact&a=rbc.com%2Fcommunity-social-impact

).

Contact: Josh Humeniuk

         Corporate Communications

         RBC

         +1-416-567-5607

         josh.humeniuk@rbc.com

SOURCE:  RBC