TORONTO, May 21 /CNW/ - At their annual general meeting today, Tourism
Toronto and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA) will present
Scotiabank with the 2009 President's Award in recognition of the Bank's
involvement with a wide-range of events that promote Toronto.
    "We are very proud to be the 2009 recipient of the President's Award from
Toronto's tourism industry," said John Doig, Scotiabank's Senior
Vice-President of Canadian Marketing, who accepted the award. "Scotiabank is
committed to supporting the communities where we live and work and we are very
pleased to be a part of the rich diversity of opportunities and events in the
Toronto. These events draw visitors from across the country and around the
world, enabling us to showcase the city and bring economic benefit to
businesses."
    "On behalf of the Bank and employees across the city who jump up for
Scotiabank Caribana, spend a night on the streets experiencing contemporary
art at Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, run for charity at the Scotiabank Toronto
Waterfront Marathon, lace up their shoes for the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life
or cheer on the performers at Scotiabank BuskerFest, I would like to thank
Tourism Toronto and the GTHA for this recognition," said Joe Brandt,
Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Toronto Region.
    The award, presented by Tourism Toronto President David Whitaker and
Terry Mundell, President of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association, recognizes
an organization from outside the tourism sector that helps raise Toronto's
profile and adds new experiences for visitors.
    "Scotiabank is a true leader in this community and is making exciting
things happen on the streets from Scotiabank Caribana to Scotiabank Nuit
Blanche, Scotiabank BuskerFest to the Contact Photography festival. These
events bring tremendous energy and worldwide attention to Toronto," said Mr.
Whitaker.
    Mark your calendars! In addition to a number of sponsorships in
communities across the city, Scotiabank event sponsorships taking place in
Toronto include:-   CONTACT Photography Festival, May 1-31, 2009,
        http://www.contactphoto.com/
    -   Scotiabank Rat Race for United Way, June 18, 2009,
        www.unitedwaytoronto.com/ratrace
    -   Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion, presented by Scotiabank, June 14, 2009,
        http://www.wheelsinmotion.org/
    -   Friends For Life Bike Rally in Support of People With AIDS Toronto,
        presented by Scotiabank, July 26- 31, 2009 http://www.bikerally.org
    -   Scotiabank Caribana, events throughout the summer culminating in the
        Scotiabank Caribana Parade on Saturday, August 1, 2009,
        http://www.caribanafestival.com
    -   Scotiabank BuskerFest, August 21-24, 2009
        http://www.torontobuskerfest.com/
    -   Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life, September 12-20, 2009,
        http://www.aidswalkforlife.ca/
    -   Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, September 27, 2009,
        http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/
    -   Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, October 3/4, 2009,
        http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/
    -   Cavalcade of Lights, presented by Scotiabank, launches November 28,
        2009 and continues throughout December,
        http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/cavalcade_lights/index.htmTourism Toronto, Toronto's Convention and Visitors Association, is an
industry association of more than 1,200 members established to strategically
sell and market the Greater Toronto Region as a remarkable destination for
tourists, convention delegates and business travellers around the globe. For
more information on Tourism Toronto, please visit www.SeeTorontoNow.com.

    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 about $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.