Four year total rises to more than $900,000 to support charities that help women

TORONTO, Sept. 21 /CNW/ - In its fourth year the Scotiabank Women's Charity Challenge raised $200,000 in support of various women's charities across Canada. Golf elite, Annika Sorenstam and Natalie Gulbis teamed up to host the event at the Magna Golf Club in Aurora, Ontario.

"The funds raised today at the Scotiabank Women's Charity Challenge bring our four-year total to more than $900,000 and these funds will go a long way to helping charities that support Canadian women," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communications, Scotiabank. "As a long time supporter of women's charities and a recognized leader in promoting the advancement of women, Scotiabank is very pleased to sponsor this event that makes such a positive contribution to so many important charities."

Each of the corporate sponsored teams who took part in the event was asked to designate a charity of choice where proceeds from their entry fee would be donated. The charities selected this year were:

- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
    - North York Women's Shelter
    - Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation & Women's Habitat
    - Sistering
    - Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada
    - Women's Support Network
    - YWCA
    - Ovarian Cancer Canada
    - Nellie's Shelter and Support for Women & Children
    - Women's College Hospital Foundation
    - Interim Place
    - Dress for Success
    - Breast Cancer Society of Canada
    - Canadian Women's Foundation
    - Sheena's Place
    - Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
    - Elm Centre - YWCA

Sorenstam, who has been an integral part of this event since its first year, hosted the Scotiabank Women's Charity Challenge for a fourth year. She was joined by Evian Masters winner Gulbis, who was part of the event for the first time.

Six of Canada's top nationally ranked junior girl golfers took turns playing with Sorenstam and Gulbis in a nine-hole match.

"We were very happy to be able to welcome back Annika for a fourth year and to have Natalie with us for the first time," said Ms. Chrominska. "Both of these women exemplify the success that can be achieved through dedication and hard work and we want to thank them for making this year's Scotiabank Women's Charity Challenge a huge success."

The day began with teams playing a nine-hole round of golf followed by a clinic on the driving range hosted by Sorenstam and Gulbis who showcased their skills and answered questions from spectators. The second half of the day included a nine-hole match where Sorenstam and Gulbis, paired with a junior golfer, played a nine hole exhibition match.

The event will be televised again this year and will air on Saturday, October 16 at 12pm EST. The one-hour segment will include highlights from the event and interviews with both professional players.

Scotiabank supports a number of women's charities, including Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada, Sheena's Place, The World Conference on Breast Cancer and The London Health Sciences Foundation. As one of Canada's 50 Best Employers, Scotiabank is a recognized leader in the advancement of women.

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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