Date:   Monday, February 25, 2008
    Time:   11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Cheque Presentation Ceremony
    Place:  Burlington Central High SchoolBURLINGTON, ON, Feb. 21 /CNW/ - Scotiabank and the Halton Learning
Foundation today introduced the the Scotiabank Arts Revitalization Program,
which will support the purchase of musical instruments in ten Halton Region
schools.
    "At Scotiabank we believe in creating opportunities that will help
students achieve their full potential and the Halton Learning Foundation's
programs help to give young people the skills and education they need to
enrich themselves and the broader community around them," said Ahmad Dajani,
Scotiabank District Vice-President, GTA West. "The Scotiabank Arts
Revitalization Program will help students tap into their creative capabilities
and give them the opportunity to learn and grow, through music."
    The Scotiabank Arts Revitalization Program is a blend of Halton Learning
Foundation's Barriers to Learning Focus and the Enrichment Program focus. The
demographic profile at several schools suggests that many students have few
opportunities to participate in the arts and music programs. Research
indicates that while economic factors can present significant learning
barriers to children, interventions by the community can have a real and
long-term impact on the students they touch.
    "The Foundation is grateful for the leadership role Scotiabank has taken
in supporting the arts and providing more students with the opportunity to
participate in the arts," said Susan Busby, Board Chair of the Halton Learning
Foundation. "This new program will help ensure that we can eliminate the
financial barriers that may have prevented students from participating in
programs like this one - helping us make music accessible to everyone."

    The Halton Learning Foundation is an alliance of community leaders and
staff who are committed to raising funds and seeking resources to enrich the
learning opportunities and eliminate barriers to learning for Halton students.

    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 2007 the Bank provided more than $43 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.