Scotiabank Employee Fellowship Program offers volunteerism opportunities in developing countries

TORONTO, Feb. 1 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced it has entered into a partnership with CUSO-VSO, a leading non-profit, international development organization that will place Scotiabank volunteers in career-relevant positions in the developing world. With this partnership, Scotiabank joins an elite group of companies specially selected to work with CUSO-VSO and its international development programs.

"We are very proud to be partnering with CUSO-VSO," said Sylvia Chrominska, Scotiabank Group Head, Global HR and Communications. "This partnership is a tremendous fit for Scotiabank. In every country that we have operations, we are committed to building and supporting local communities. Through this partnership, Scotiabank volunteers will gain a rewarding experience, allowing them to develop a wide range of skills while making a real difference where the need is the greatest."

The program adds another important element to Scotiabank's corporate social responsibility efforts. Selected employees will be placed in volunteer positions that allow them to lend their skills and expertise to the sustainable growth of organizations and countries where they are placed.

"We are pleased to join with Scotiabank in this partnership," said Derek Evans, Executive Director, CUSO-VSO. "Scotiabank's strength across its international operations makes it particularly well-suited to CUSO-VSO's business volunteerism goals. Under the Scotiabank Employee Fellowship Program, organizations in developing countries will gain access to crucial business skills that can act as an engine for sustainable growth. We believe this is one of the most effective solutions to global poverty."

With operations in some 50 countries around the world, Scotiabank is Canada's most international bank.

"We serve a number of emerging markets across the Caribbean and Latin America and see first hand some of the challenges that people, organizations and governments face," said Dieter Jentsch, Scotiabank Executive Vice President, Latin America, International Banking. "Scotiabank has a long legacy of volunteering spirit and this partnership is a great way to build on that. Importantly, it also helps Scotiabank develop and retain a highly innovative and adaptable workforce with a strong understanding of other cultures."

About CUSO-VSO
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CUSO-VSO is the North American member of the VSO Federation and is one of Canada's largest international development organizations to engage international volunteers in development work. The Federation is a worldwide partnership of voluntary Service Organizations (VSO) based in the UK, the Netherlands, Kenya and the Philippines, as well as Canada. Volunteers are also recruited from India, Ireland and Australia. These VSO agencies make up the world's largest non-governmental, international development organization working through volunteers. The UK was home to the first Voluntary Service Organization, which began in 1958, with VSO Canada being launched in 1995. CUSO was founded in 1961, originally as Canadian University Service Overseas. With CUSO joining the VSO international family, the Federation now works in 43 countries. Collectively, the members of the VSO Federation have placed over 43,000 volunteers.

About Scotiabank
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Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With close to 68,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve approximately 14.6 million customers in some 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With more than $496 billion in assets (as at October 31, 2009), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.