TORONTO, Nov. 30 /CNW/ - Scotiabank will host an HIV/AIDS focused Exhibition on December 1^st to mark World AIDS Day. The event will be open to the public and will feature some of Scotiabank's partners whose research, treatment and social services support individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Scotiabank Support of HIV/AIDS

Scotiabank is active in mitigating the HIV/AIDS stigma and has supported and undertaken many initiatives worldwide to raise awareness and funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS.

• In 2009 Scotiabank participated in the 2009 Regional Testing Day. In partnership with the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS (CBMP), and in collaboration with regional ministries of health, 40 Scotiabank branches in 14 Caribbean countries participated as testing sites, where trained professionals provided free confidential testing and counseling to the public. Over 4,000 people in the Caribbean came to Scotiabank branches for testing.
  
  
• On December 1, 2009, World AIDS Day, Scotiabank was awarded the My Hero Award from Aid for AIDS International in recognition of Scotiabank's efforts in fighting HIV/AIDS across our global network.
  
  
• Casey House - palliative and supportive care for men and women living with HIV/AIDS. Scotiabank has most recently been a principal donor for Casey House's future Day Health Program. In 2010, Scotiabank contributed to Casey House's Recreation Therapy Program and their Home Hospice Program.
  
  
• Toronto People with AIDS Association's "Friends for Life Bike Rally" - For six days, riders cycle over 600 km from Toronto to Montreal with the goals to raise funds. Scotiabank is currently the presenting sponsor for this marathon.
  
  
• The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life - Canada's largest annual event raising funds in support of HIV/AIDS. The event is hosted by various cities and communities across Canada. Funds raised by the walk support programs and services for people infected by HIV/AIDS. In 2010, Scotiabank contributed to the Canadian AIDS Society, in support of the AIDS Walk for Life to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS.
  
  
• Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto "Triangle Program" - In partnership with the Toronto School Board, the program hosts an alternative high school for teenage gay and lesbian students who would otherwise drop out.  Scotiabank has supported this program since 2004.
  
  
• Scotiabank Pledge for Life, Barbados - a joint initiative by Scotiabank, the International Labour Organization, the Ministry of Health and the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, Pledge for Life was launched to promote HIV/AIDS education and awareness in secondary and tertiary schools across the island.

About Scotiabank

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.