$315,000 Raised for BC Children's Hospital Foundation at Mining Industry's Hooked on Miracles Fishing Tournament

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Sept. 19, 2011) - $315,000 was raised for the BC Children's Hospital Foundation at the inaugural Hooked on Miracles Charity Fishing Tournament, according to results released today by event organizers. The tournament took place on June 17-20, at the Middle Beach Lodge in Tofino, BC. Twenty participants enjoyed an all-inclusive three-day spring salmon guided fishing excursion, which included meals, accommodations, fishing guides and charters. Funds were raised through live auctions and a donation of the $100,000 "biggest fish" prize. Taseko Mines' Scott Jones won this year's tournament with a salmon weighing 29 pounds.

"I am pleased to report that we have exceeded our fundraising target," said Dave Sharples, co-chair of Hooked on Miracles. Participants bid more than expected during live auctions on items such as fishing excursions donated by guides. "Hooked on Miracles participants understand the importance of giving back to their local community, and this event is one more opportunity for them to support an organization that helps children and their families when they are most vulnerable" added Co-Chair Allan Cloke. The Co-Chairs also announced that due to the overwhelming success of this year's event, the Middle Beach Lodge has been booked again to host the 2012 Hooked on Miracles tournament.

Funds raised at Hooked on Miracles will be donated to the BC Childern's Hospital Foundation through the Mining for Miracles campaign, the mining industry's charity of choice. "Annual fundraising events, like Hooked on Miracles, provide substantial funding for the hospital," explains Dr. Bruce Verchere, Head of the Diabetes Research Program at The Child & Family Research Institute at BC Children's Hospital and Hooked on Miracles participant. "The support the BC mining industry provides is crucial for maintaining the highest level of care possible at BC Children's. We are grateful for their strong ongoing commitment."

Hooked on Miracles was made possible by generous sponsorships from Taseko Mines Ltd; Imperial Metals; Copper Mountain Mining Corporation; Huckleberry Mines Ltd; Compliance Energy Corporation; Lions Gate Metals; Ledcor Group; SMS Equipment; and Arrow Transportation Systems Inc. In-kind donations were also made by: Escott Sport Fishing; Everything Wine; Far West Outdoor Apparel; Hawksworth Restaurant; Tofino Bus; Tofino House; West Pacific Seafoods; and Honeycomb Creative.

The Hooked on Miracles Charity Fishing Tournament is organized by volunteers from BC's mining industry, BC Children's Hospital, BC Children's Hospital Foundation and the District of Tofino.

For more information about the Hooked on Miracles 2011 Fishing Tournament please visit www.hookedonmiracles.ca.