Flipping for Scotia Hope!
Scotiabank Executives Flip and Serve Pancakes kicking off this year's
    United Way Employee Campaign.

TORONTO, Nov. 6 /CNW/ - Breakfast was served up this morning to hundreds of hungry Bay Streeters by Scotiabank executives and guest chefs as they helped kick-off Scotiabank's annual Pancake Breakfast. Passers-by donated what they could for a plate of pancakes and maple syrup, helping launch Scotia Hope, Scotiabank's 2009 United Way employee campaign.

"For years, Scotiabank employees have been bringing hope to communities where we live and work through our longtime support of United Way Toronto," said Rick Waugh, Scotiabank President and CEO. "Our Scotia Hope campaign goal is to raise more than $4.85 million through fun and inviting events like Scotiabank's annual pancake breakfast and through employee donations.

Scotiabank executives were joined by Susan McIsaac, United Way Toronto Chief Development Officer and Andrew Bell from Business News Network. Scotiabank employees, customers, and neighbours were invited to have breakfast in the main branch for a donation to United Way Toronto.

"We know it's a time of great uncertainty for many of our friends and neighbours. And though we can't do much to fix the economy, when we come together at events like this one, we can do something to provide opportunities for a better life for everyone," said United Way Toronto's Chief Development Officer, Susan McIsaac. "The United Way campaign reminds us that we're all in this together, and the commitment demonstrated by Scotiabank to join United Way in building a better city truly exemplifies this notion,"

The annual Pancake Breakfast officially kicks off the employee campaign which includes a variety of fundraisers showcasing the spirit and dedication of Scotiabank employees who continuously volunteer their time and energy to raise funds for United Way Toronto. Other fundraising and awareness initiatives in the community include the Enbridge CN Tower Climb; the Scotiabank Rat Race; the Amazing Scotia Race; and the Scotia Hope Hockey Game, which brought out NHL Alumni Darryl Sittler and Mark Napier to play hockey with youth from United Way agencies and Bank executives. With more than 700 Scotiabank volunteer coordinators and canvassers, and donations made thousands of employees, Scotiabank continues to be one of the largest supporters of United Way Toronto.

Established in 1956, United Way Toronto is a charity working to advance the common good and create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our city. Working in partnership with others, we mobilize people and resources to address the root causes of social problems and to change community conditions for the better. United Way supports agencies that provide services to strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

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

For further information: Livy Feldgajer, Scotiabank Public Affairs, (416) 866-6203 or livy_feldgajer@scotiacapital.com