TORONTO, May 4 /CNW/ - Scotiabank recognized National Mental Health Week
today by announcing a donation of $750,000 to the Centre for Addiction and
Mental Health (CAMH), and by establishing a partnership with CAMH's Employment
Support and Development (ESD) program. Together, Scotiabank and CAMH will
assist people who have mental health and addiction histories to secure, retain
and advance in employment opportunities, and help to promote mental health
awareness in the organization.
    "According to CAMH, one in five Canadians is affected by mental illness
or addiction, and the stigma surrounding these illnesses often make it
difficult for people to ask for help, or return to work once they have
recovered," said Sylvia Chrominska, Scotiabank Group Head, Global Human
Resources and Communications. "At Scotiabank, we recognize that good mental
health is not just the absence of mental illness, but the overall well being
of our employees."
    CAMH's Employment Support and Development Program is an innovative
program, working with people who have mental health and addiction histories
who want to find and keep a job. Last year, more than 100 individuals found
jobs with assistance from the ESD team.
    "Scotiabank's commitment to education and providing employment
opportunities will help transform the lives of our clients," said Dr. Paul
Garfinkel, CAMH President & CEO. "Scotiabank's gift will help transform our
facilities at our Queen Street site and will help shape the way the world
views and treats mental illness and addiction. The social determinants of
health - having a home, a job, a friend - are critical prerequisites to mental
health and recovery."
    Scotiabank's partnership with CAMH will help connect CAMH clients with
available opportunities at Scotiabank. The partnership will not only provide
employees with valuable work experience, but will also provide recruiters with
information, education, and ongoing professional support.
    "Scotiabank employees will have the opportunity to connect with CAMH
experts and learn more about fostering healthy workplaces, supporting those
who face these illnesses," said Ms. Chrominska. "Through follow up and
support, we will help ensure their success."
    The $750,000 donation will also support CAMH's Transforming Lives capital
campaign, which will bring to life CAMH's visionary redevelopment and a new
model of client care.

    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 2008 the Bank provided around $43 million in sponsorships and
donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of
healthcare, education and social services and arts and culture. Please visit
us at www.scotiabank.com.

    The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest
mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world's
leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. CAMH
combines clinical care, research, education, policy development and health
promotion to help transform the lives of people affected by mental health and
addiction issues. To learn more about the work of the CAMH Foundation, visit
www.supportcamh.ca.