TORONTO, Feb. 7 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced a $6.8 million
contribution to United Way of Greater Toronto, the largest-ever Scotiabank
employee donation. The 2006 United Way Campaign Chair, Rick Waugh, President
and CEO, Scotiabank, celebrated surpassing the Bank's 2005 total of $5.9
million, over a game of billiards at the Academy of Spherical Arts with Susan
McIsaac, Vice-President, Resource Development for United Way of Greater
Toronto.
    This year's employee fundraising campaign at Scotiabank was the most
successful to date and included an employee contribution of $5.3 million and a
corporate gift of $1.5 million. The campaign contributed to the largest-ever
United Way of Greater Toronto fundraising achievement of $106.8 million.
    The billiards-themed presentation to United Way was part of a ceremony
celebrating the spirit and dedication shown by Scotiabank employees while
volunteering their time and energy to raise funds. Volunteers participated in
a variety of fundraising events such as the Scotiabank Amazing Race, the
Enbridge CN Tower Stair Climb for United Way, silent auctions, pancake
breakfasts and the Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way, which raised more than
$50,000 from 613 Scotiabank runners.
    "This donation demonstrates how Scotiabank employees continue to show
great spirit, enthusiasm and generosity in supporting the communities in which
they live and work," said Rick Waugh, President and CEO, Scotiabank. "I am
proud of their commitment to fundraising and volunteering for United Way. Our
employees have shown us that we can really make a difference."
    With more than 600 Scotiabank volunteer coordinators and canvassers, and
donations made by over 6,000 employees, the Bank continues to be one of the
largest supporters of the United Way of Greater Toronto campaign.
    "United Way is extremely appreciative of Scotiabank's employees'
commitment to our annual campaign -- from their valuable fundraising to their
generosity of time and commitment from all levels of employees and executives,
including Rick Waugh, United Way's 2006 Campaign Chair," said Frances Lankin,
President and CEO, United Way of Greater Toronto. "Scotiabank's commitment and
leadership in this arena has earned them Spirit Awards for Corporate Support,
Leadership and Employee Campaign Chair, as well as two special event awards.
Their generosity will help support our network of 200 health and social
services agencies, fulfill the potential of our city's newcomers and youth,
and create opportunities for growth and improvement in Toronto's inner-city
neighbourhoods."

    Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live
and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally
and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic
activities, in 2006 the Bank provided more than $42 million in sponsorships
and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas
of healthcare, education and social services. Scotiabank is on the World Wide
Web at www.scotiabank.com.

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