NHL Alumni and United Way agency youth help Scotiabank Give Hope

TORONTO, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - NHL Alumni Darryl Sittler and Mark Napier joined Scotiabank executives and youth from United Way agencies this afternoon in a friendly hockey game at North Toronto Memorial Arena. Refereed by CityTV's Hugh Burrill, the hockey game was played in support of Scotia Hope, Scotiabank's 2009 United Way employee leadership campaign, to help drive employee giving.

The two hockey teams were mixed with 17 Scotiabank executives and senior management, 16 youth between the ages of 7 - 18 years from four different United Way Toronto agencies, with NHL hockey legends Darryl Sittler and Mark Napier as team captains. Youth from United Way agencies (Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Toronto; Nelson Mandela Public School/Dixon Hall; St. Stephen's Community House; and Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club) all received donated hockey equipment, from Scotiabank and their new partnership with Pro Hockey Life.

"Scotia Hope is an opportunity for United Way agency youth from across the GTA to team up with NHL Alumni and Scotiabank executives and share the ice in a friendly and interactive hockey game," said Rick Waugh, Scotiabank President and CEO. "For more than 13 years, Scotiabank employees have been bringing hope to the communities we serve through our partnership with United Way, and today's exciting hockey game was meant to inspire and connect our communities with United Way agencies."

Scotiabank's 2009 Scotia Hope campaign fundraising goal is $4.85 million, and includes many fundraising initiatives around the communities which drive awareness and encourage employees to give help and promote significant change in their community.

"It's events like Scotia Hope that demonstrate what United Way is all about: people coming together to make a difference in their community," said Frances Lankin, President and CEO, United Way Toronto. "We're so fortunate to have partners like Scotiabank join us in our campaign to build a better city."

"We are very proud to help Scotiabank support United Way through the Scotia Hope hockey game," said NHL Alum Mark Napier. "Getting together with other Alumni to play a game with Scotiabank and agency youth is a great opportunity that hopes to inspire giving for a great cause. Our youth today are our future and we want to ensure that we are good role models."

Scotiabank's 2009 employee campaign for United Way Toronto, Scotia Hope, is meant to encourage Scotiabank employees to consider giving at the leadership level - the equivalent of $1,000 or more over the course of the year and help give hope to neighbourhoods across the GTA. All funds raised for United Way Toronto helps women, men, youth and children in need; helps address the very serious challenges of hunger and homelessness, and helps Canadian newcomers build lives right across the GTA.

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 and social services and arts and culture. Please visit us at www.scotiabank.com.