Royal Canadian Mint Produces Medals for HBC Run for Canada

The Royal Canadian Mint has proudly produced over 20,000 commemorative finisher medals for the upcoming HBC Run for Canada. This event, aimed at supporting Canadian athletes, includes a 10 km run, 3 km walk and 1 km kids run. It will take place in fifteen communities across Canada on July 1st.

"The Mint is delighted to be taking part in this initiative and we encourage Canadians from coast to coast to participate in the HBC Run for Canada on Canada Day", said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.

"Each participant will receive one of these skilfully crafted medals, which will signify their support for Canadian athletes".

For the HBC Run for Canada commemorative finisher medals, which were designed in collaboration with HBC, the Mint cut each blank – which is a medal without a design – from long strips of alloy. A hole was then punched through the blanks, in order to eventually thread the distinctive race ribbons.

The final stage of the process was to strike the design onto each blank twice on a manual press, using several tons of pressure; this is when the blanks transformed into the HBC Run for Canada medals that will be awarded to each race participant.

As part of race registration for the HBC Run for Canada in both Ottawa and Winnipeg, the Mint will be hosting Olympic 25-cent public coin exchanges at the following locations:

The Bay, Rideau Centre (73 Rideau Street in Ottawa)
Saturday, June 28th - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 29th – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday, June 30th – 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Zellers, Polo Park Shopping Centre (1485 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg)
Saturday, June 28th - 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 29th – 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday, June 30th – 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Royal Canadian Mint is a proud Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. During its three-year program, the Mint will put into circulation 17 coins in Canada featuring designs related to the 2010 Winter Games. Additionally, the Mint will offer thirty-six limited mintage collector coins and sets, a variety of Olympic coin gifts - available at HBC and www.mint.ca/olympic - and will also be responsible for minting the athlete medals.

The Royal Canadian Mint produces medals and medallions for many applications, including achievement awards, military decorations, promotional items, souvenirs and gifts. Most recently, the Mint participated in the production of Canada’s own Victoria Cross medal.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2008, is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2000 certified company, the Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint’s history, its products and services, please visit www.mint.ca.

About the HBC Run for Canada

HBC has made a commitment to raise $2.9 million for Canadian athletes every year for the next six years. A large portion of this will be raised via the HBC Run for Canada. The HBC Run for Canada is a 10 km run, 3 km walk and 1 km kids run taking place on July 1st in fifteen communities across Canada.

In 2007, the HBC Run for Canada raised $2 million thanks to the many Canadians who participated in the event by running, walking, volunteering and fundraising in support of Canadian athletes. For further information on the HBC Run for Canada, to find a run location near you or to make a donation, please visit www.hbcrunforcanada.com.