BARRIE, ON, Oct. 29 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced the Bank is
leveraging its popular Brick Campaign to help build a $4 million, 10-bed
residential facility for people with life-threatening illnesses. The employee
fundraising initiative - which rallied thousands of local residents and raised
over $400,000 over four years for the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre,
at Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) - has set a $100,000 fundraising target for
Hospice Simcoe.
    "At Scotiabank, we have a long tradition of community involvement, as
well as supporting various health initiatives," said Tom Robinson, Community
Manager, Barrie, Scotiabank. "There is a real need for this facility in Barrie
and Scotiabank employees are proud to participate in a project that touches so
many families in the community."
    The Brick Campaign involves seven branches in Barrie and Alcona, selling
paper bricks to support Hospice Simcoe. Bricks feature the names of donors -
or names in memorial - and will be 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, are also taking part.
    "We've all been touched by people with life-threatening illnesses," added
Mr. Robinson. "Whether it's a loved one, a neighbour, or a co-worker, we all
know someone affected by a terrible disease, but right now, there are only 40
of these types of hospice beds across Ontario. This facility will provide
compassionate care in a home-like setting for people in Barrie."
    Hospice Simcoe will be built, managed and maintained by Hospice Simcoe,
an organization formed in 1988 when a group of concerned area residents
conceived an outreach program, providing assistance to people with
life-threatening illnesses. Hospice Simcoe has grown to include over 200
volunteers, serving 1,500 clients and their families annually.
    The new facility - with an outreach wing for day programs - will be
located on Penetanguishene Road, close to Royal Victoria Hospital.

    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, social services and arts and culture. Scotiabank is
on the World Wide Web at www.scotiabank.com.