WINNIPEG, June 7 /CNW/ - Approximately 150 delegates from across Canada
and around the world are attending the 5th World Conference on Breast Cancer
in Winnipeg, Manitoba thanks to a lapel pin fundraiser conducted by employees
in all Canadian Scotiabank branches from April 1 to May 31, 2008.
    On the second last day of the conference, Scotiabank, the Premier Sponsor
of the event, presented the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation with
a cheque for more than $207,000 to provide additional financial assistance to
participants who may otherwise not have been able to attend. Half of the total
was generously donated by Canadians through their purchase of the pins and
Scotiabank has matched these donations dollar-for-dollar.
    "As a global employer of choice, with operations in 50 countries around
the globe, we recognize the importance of bringing people together with
experts in all aspects of the disease to share ideas and information in
pursuit of a common goal and we are pleased to help defray costs for delegates
who would otherwise be unable to attend," said Sylvia Chrominska, Scotiabank
Executive Vice-President, Human Resources and Public, Corporate and Government
Affairs, in Winnipeg for the Conference.
    "Our employees around the world are very active in their communities and
they have always been enthusiastic in their support of breast cancer
initiatives," Chrominska added. "The Canadian branch campaign, which saw the
sale of pins from coast to coast and the time and dedication of 60 Winnipeg
employees who are volunteering at the Conference, are prime examples of the
depth of commitment to this cause."
    "Thanks to the generous support of Scotiabanks across Canada, even more
women were able to learn and share at the 5th World Conference on Breast
Cancer," said Barbara Shumeley, President of the World Conference on Breast
Cancer. "Scotiabank has been an exemplary corporate citizen throughout this
year's event in many practical and innovative ways. Our board of directors,
staff and volunteers are proud to be associated with this outstanding
organization."

    Scotiabank is a founding supporter of the World Conference on Breast
Cancer, which originated 12 years ago in Kingston, Ontario. Since then,
conferences have been held in Ottawa, Victoria and Halifax.

    The World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation is an incorporated
charity, dedicated to international and multi-disciplinary, global action on
breast cancer. This non-profit organization hosts an international conference
every three years to promote networking, public education and research on this
important topic that affects too many people around the world. Founded by a
group of breast cancer survivors, the conference has grown into a
multi-disciplinary, international gathering that allows women from around the
world to engage in discussion and develop valuable tools to assist them in
their journey with breast cancer.

    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, social services and arts and culture. Visit us at
www.scotiabank.com.

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