Scotiabank sponsorship extended through 2011

    TORONTO, May 28 /CNW/ - The 2009 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life will once
again come to 50 communities across Canada this September 12-20. This annual
event unites communities to raise awareness, educate, and raise funds to
support initiatives combating HIV/AIDS. All proceeds from the Walk go to
support community programs and services for people living with and affected by
HIV/AIDS. The funds stay in the communities in which they were raised.
    "Once again, we are very proud to be the title sponsor of the Scotiabank
AIDS Walk for Life and to extend our sponsorship through 2011. We believe this
is an important event for all Canadians," said Rick Waugh, Scotiabank
President and CEO. "As long as there is no cure for HIV and AIDS, people in
our communities - women, youth, children and men, and their families - face
the challenges of this unforgiving disease every day. By coming together to
raise awareness and funds, we can help shape a better future."
    In 2005, it was estimated that 58,000 people were living with HIV/AIDS in
Canada, with an estimated 2,300 to 4,500 new cases reported that year.
Worldwide, there are about 33.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS.
    "The numbers are staggering," said Mr. Waugh. "As Canada's most
international bank, we are supporting initiatives in countries around the
world, including here at home, contributing to global efforts aimed at raising
awareness about HIV and AIDS and helping people who are affected."
    The first fundraising and awareness walk for HIV/AIDS in Canada was held
in Vancouver in 1986. The Walk became a national event in 1996. At that time,
the Canadian AIDS Society agreed to coordinate and manage what was then known
as AIDS Walk Canada, at a national level, in cooperation with its community
partners. Since 1996, the national Walk has raised $28 million for
community-based AIDS service organizations and has hosted over half a million
participants. Scotiabank has been a sponsor of this event since 2007.
    2009 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life events will be held in more than 50
communities across Canada. To find an event, please visit
http://www.aidswalkforlife.ca/FindYourWalk.htm
    "The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life and its organizers are thrilled to
have Scotiabank sign on as the event's lead sponsor until 2011," says Monique
Doolittle-Romas, Canadian AIDS Society Executive Director. "Their strong
commitment and dedication to working within their communities to support the
Walk will enable us to significantly increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in Canada,
help raise much-needed funds for programs and services for those affected by
the disease and prevent new infections."
    The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life gratefully acknowledges Scotiabank and
all of its sponsors who help increase awareness of the Walk and contribute to
its success through their support. The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life is a
project of the Canadian AIDS Society in partnership with the British Columbia
Persons with AIDS Society, the AIDS Committee of Toronto, and community-based
AIDS organizations across Canada. For more information and to find the
Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life nearest you, please visit us at
www.aidswalkforlife.ca.

    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 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.