More than $10 million raised over past five years to support care and research at Baycrest

TORONTO, May 8 /CNW/ - Nearly 700 amateur hockey players, Canadian Women's Gold Medal winners and former NHL Stars raised over $2.5 million for this past weekend's Scotiabank Pro-Am Hockey Tournament in benefit of the Gordie & Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's at Baycrest. Throughout the five year history of the event, more than $10 million has been raised for the cause, benefitting continued research and treatments for this devastating disease at Baycrest.

Canada's largest hockey fundraiser for Alzheimer's, the Scotiabank Pro-Am is the ultimate three-day hockey experience for men and women, aged 25 years and up. The tournament kicked off with a visit from the Stanley Cup(R) at the Draft Party on May 6, where team captains chose from some of the world's best hockey legends to play on their teams. Draft positions were determined by the total dollars each teams raised. Top honours went to the Geri Hat-Tricks, captained by Irv Kleiner, who raised an incredible $186,000 and drafted Borje Salming first. Harry Lebovic, who single-handedly raised over $100,000, was recognized as the top individual fundraiser and presented with the 'Gordie Howe Award' by Mr. Hockey(R) himself!

"The Scotiabank Pro-Am for Baycrest is a real first-class event. It's by far the best fundraiser we've been involved in, and we're very proud to put something back into the community. We always try and get one big name each year. Guy Lafleur was our guy this year, and I'm sure he'll be back next year. The alumni just love doing this event and it's a favourite for our players. They actually call us and ask to get involved," said Mark Napier, Executive Director, NHL Alumni Association.

"The Scotiabank Pro-Am is really innovative because it results not only in great funding for Baycrest but also raises awareness about how crucial it is to find treatments in the battle against Alzheimer's and related disorders," said Mark Gryfe, Baycrest Foundation President. "The funds raised will benefit our local community as well as people around the world through the continuation of our research into the aging brain. Everyone involved in the event deserves a huge thank you."

"As Canada's Hockey Bank, Scotiabank is pleased to be a part of an event that brings together amateur hockey enthusiasts and professional hockey stars to raise awareness and funds in the fight against Alzheimer's," said John Doig, Scotiabank Senior Vice-President, Toronto Region. "We salute everyone for their commitment and hard work to helping keep memories alive. Funds raised through their efforts this year have far exceeded expectations."

In addition to the Toronto Pro-Am, the event was launched in Edmonton this year and was a huge success with 18 teams raising more than $1 million for Baycrest and the Alzheimer's society in Alberta and the North West Territories.

Registration for the 2011 Scotiabank Pro-Am Hockey Tournament is already open. Sign up early and don't be disappointed. To register, visit www.scotiabankproam.com

About Baycrest

Located in Toronto, Baycrest is one of the world's premier academic health sciences centers focused on care of aging adults and its excellence in aging brain research, clinical interventions and treatment, and promising cognitive rehabilitation strategies. Through its strengths in research and education, Baycrest is using the power of inquiry and discovery to improve the health of tomorrow's elderly while at the same time care for and enhance the quality of life of the elderly today. For more information about Baycrest, go to www.baycrest.org

About the Gordie & Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's

Last year, Mr. Hockey(R) Gordie Howe attached his name to the Scotiabank Pro-Am by establishing the Gordie & Colleen Howe Fund for Alzheimer's at Baycrest. Gordie and Colleen Howe's contribution to hockey is legendary, earning them the title Mr. and Mrs. Hockey(R). When Colleen lost her battle with dementia in March of 2009, Gordie lost a wife, his children lost a mother and the world of hockey lost a champion. It was a battle that inspired the Howe family to improve the lives of others affected by the ravages of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. In pursuit of this mission, they have attached their name to the Scotiabank Pro-Am for Alzheimer's to support care and research at Baycrest.

About Scotiabank

As the Official Bank of the NHL(R), NHLPA(R), NHL Alumni(TM) and the CWHL, Scotiabank is very proud to be Canada's Hockey Bank. Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting hockey in Canada from local teams and minor hockey associations to professional players and leagues. Through its partnerships, Scotiabank's hockey programs enrich the communities where Canadians live and work by engaging fans and players in new ways to celebrate our game. Scotiabank supports the passion and pride Canadians feel for hockey and believes that this great game helps young people learn about teamwork, camaraderie and the spirit of competition. Scotiabank also has partnerships with the Calgary Flames(R) and the Ottawa Senators(R) whose home arena is Scotiabank Place. For more information on Scotiabank's hockey programs, visit www.scotiahockeyclub.com

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

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