'Gift The Code' Gives Technology Boost to Local Charities

Capital One Canada holds 40-hour Hackathon to help advance the cause of local charities through new technology solutions

TORONTO, Aug. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Capital One Canada, with the support of Hackworks, will kick off its Gift the Code Hackathon on Friday, October 21, 2016 to Sunday, October 23, 2016. In just 40 hours, over 100 participants passionate about problem solving will brainstorm, build and submit technology solutions to address specific digital challenges faced by six Toronto-based charities.

Driven by the desire to commit as much funding as possible toward their respective causes, local charity organizations often operate on tight budgets which can prevent them from taking full advantage of digital solutions and top-tier technology talent that could help advance their mission even more. The Capital One Canada Gift the Code Hackathon aspires to change this and give participating organizations a much-needed boost.

"Smaller charities face an enormous challenge with respect to advanced technology solutions," said Nathalie Clark, Managing Vice President, Capital One Canada. "Through this Hackathon, we are taking meaningful action to help our charity partners bridge the digital divide and continue to expand and grow into the future."

Hosted by technology expert, Marc Saltzman, the 40-hour coding sprint will showcase the talents of volunteers and Capital One Canada associates as they break into teams to identify digital solutions to challenges from six charitable organizations. On the evening of Friday, October 21, 2016, participants will form teams consisting of 4 to 6 experts at BrainStation's Toronto campus, a global leader in technology training and the official location partner of the event.

"We're living in an exciting new digital world and, while many global companies are reaping the benefits of this technological revolution, not-for-profit charities could also benefit from the collective talent of Canadian tech experts," said Marc Saltzman, technology expert, journalist and author. "I'm beyond excited to help host the Capital One Canada Gift the Code Hackathon and see how teams will offer smart technology solutions to help worthy causes reach their full potential."

Charities supported during the Gift the Code Hackathon were selected based on their size and accessibility to technology and innovation:

• Prosper Canada - A national charity dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for Canadians living in poverty through program and policy innovation. A champion for financial empowerment, the organization works with governments, businesses and community groups to develop and promote financial policies, programs and resources that transform lives and foster prosperity for all Canadians.
• Second Harvest - Second Harvest is the largest food rescue program in Canada. Since 1985, Second Harvest has been picking up donated, surplus food, which would otherwise go to waste, and delivering that food to community agencies in Toronto.
• Women's Habitat - An organization that provides shelter and support services to women and their children who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial and/or spiritual violence.
• Toronto PFlag - A volunteer-run, registered charitable organization. Through support, education and advocacy, Toronto PFlag works to create a more accepting society for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and their families, friends and allies.
• Holland Bloorview - Canada's largest children's rehabilitation hospital focused on improving the lives of kids with disabilities. It is a global leader in applied research, teaching and learning, and client- and family-centred care.
• Blake Boultbee - A community-based outreach service providing counselling, therapy and life skills training to high-risk youth and families in low-income areas of east Toronto.

To learn more about the Gift the Code Hackathon or to participate, visit: giftthecode.ca.

About Capital One Canada
With offices in Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo and Montreal, Capital One Canada has been offering Canadian consumers a range of competitive MasterCard credit cards since 1996. We challenge ourselves to see the world through the eyes of our customers, so we can deliver the market leading credit products and exceptional service they're looking for. Capital One Canada is a division of Capital One Bank, a subsidiary of Capital One Financial Corporation of McLean, Virginia (NYSE: COF). To learn more visit: www.capitalone.ca

SOURCE Capital One Canada

Image with caption: "Capital One Canada (CNW Group/Capital One Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160823_C1097_PHOTO_EN_756113.jpg

Media Contacts: Sandra Decarvalho, Capital One, 416 549 2868, [email protected]