Hancock marathon program raises more than $3 m

John Hancock, the financial services firm, said its Boston Marathon fund-raising program raised $3.3 million for charitable and community service organizations during the 2008 running of the race.

Nearly 100 employees of John Hancock and Manulife, Hancock's parent company, participated in the employee marathon program.

John Hancock said its associates expanded the company's commitment to summer jobs for teens by raising $116,000; as a result of their efforts, 77 students received internships this summer through the Boston Fund for Neighborhood Development and the Parks and Recreation Departments.

Manulife employees raised more than $18,000 for their nonprofit of choice, Habitat for Humanity Canada.

Each employee in the program agreed to raise at least $1,000 for their designated nonprofit, and this year, employees raised an average of $1,400 per runner, Hancock said.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)