BARRIE, ON, Feb. 15 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced a contribution of
$90,000 toward construction of the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre, at
Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH). The gift was generated through the Bank's
popular employee fundraising initiative, the Brick Campaign, which rallied
thousands of local residents around efforts to build the $56 million medical
facility.
    "At Scotiabank, we have a long tradition of community involvement, as
well as supporting various health initiatives," said Tom Robinson, Barrie
Community Manager, Scotiabank. The Brick Campaign has raised more than
$400,000 for the regional cancer centre in four years. "Our employees take
pride in devoting time and energy to giving back to their communities because
we know that healthy communities continue to grow and succeed."
    More than 200 Scotiabank employees at 18 branches across Simcoe County
and Muskoka supported the two month Brick Campaign, selling paper bricks -
featuring the donor's name, or name in memorial - that were posted on each
branch's campaign wall. Staff at the Scotiabank Commercial Banking Centre, as
well as the local offices of ScotiaMcLeod and Scotia Private Client Group,
also took part.
    "There is a real need for a regional cancer centre in Barrie and our
employees are proud to participate in an initiative that will enrich the
quality of life for so many families in our community," added Mr. Robinson.
"Whether it's a loved one, neighbour, or co-worker, it is vital all cancer
patients receive the care they need in the community where they live."
    Demand for cancer treatment has risen dramatically at RVH. Currently,
more than 2,000 cancer patients from Simcoe County and Muskoka must travel
outside the region for lifesaving therapy. The hospital's oncology team
expects to see more than 3,000 patients, totaling 18,000 visits in 2006 -
twice the number from a decade ago.
    "The Cancer Care Program at RVH is already bursting at the seams," said
Dr. Bryn Pressnail, RVH Clinical Chief of Oncology. "It is clear cancer
patients respond much better when treated in their own community, supported by
their family, friends and health care providers. It's critical we bring all
cancer treatments closer to home."
    The campaign, supplemented by a $15,000 corporate donation, was also
supported by the Barrie Advance and the Simcoe Media Group of newspapers.

    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.