TORONTO, Jan. 21 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today increased its contribution to Haiti earthquake relief efforts, making a corporate commitment of up to $500,000 and announcing three of the Bank's four Haitian branches will reopen Saturday.

"Scotiabank is dedicated to supporting Haitians in their time of need," said Rick Waugh, President and Chief Executive Officer, Scotiabank. "Our brave employees in Haiti remain committed to serving the individual needs of our customers and we are adjusting our business strategy to ensure basic banking services are available to as many people as possible."

Scotiabank branches in Canada responded immediately after the quake last week, welcoming donations to the Canadian Red Cross' Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund and reinforcing compassionate support efforts with a $250,000 corporate contribution. Today's announcement includes additional funds of up to $250,000 toward an employee donation matching program to support the Bank's employees in Haiti, as well as their families, relatives and communities.

"Our Haiti leadership team has worked around the clock to ensure the Bank's branches are safe and secure for the return of our customers and employees," said Pat Minicucci, Senior Vice-President, International Banking, Caribbean, Scotiabank. "Scotiabank employees are prepared to roll up their sleeves and begin the difficult process of rebuilding the hopes and dreams of our customers."

Scotiabank has operated in Haiti since 1972 and currently has 80 employees in four branches. On Saturday, Scotiabank will re-open its branches in Petion-Ville, Delmas and Carrefour. The Port-au-Prince main branch will reopen at a later date.

Scotiabank has also introduced a series of initiatives to help customers support Haiti earthquake relief efforts:

-   Commissions and telegraph toll charges on outgoing wire transfers to
        Haiti will be waived;
    -   Transaction fees for Western Union money transfers to Haiti are also
        waived;
    -   Donations to the Canadian Red Cross may be made through the bill
        payment function on Scotia OnLine;
    -   Donations to the Canadian Red Cross may be made at
        www.scotiabank.com;
    -   Scotiabank's credit card customers may now donate Scotia Rewards
        points to earthquake relief efforts through the purchase of a Give
        the Gift of Giving charitable gift card, offered in conjunction with
        CanadaHelps.org;
    -   Scotiabank Contact Centre employees - using the Bank's call centre
        facilities - are participating in the Canada For Haiti national
        television broadcast on January 22, 2010; and
    -   Scotiabank employees in the Dominican Republic have purchased
        emergency supplies - including tarps, flashlights, water and non-
        perishable food - and managed the shipment of these items across the
        boarder into Haiti

Scotiabank employees around the world have embraced Haiti relief efforts. Those closest to the devastation - in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago - have launched public fundraising campaigns to benefit earthquake victims.

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 2009 the Bank provided about $39 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.