Launches initiative to help women in shelters in Canada and around the world

TORONTO, March 8 /CNW/ - As part of its recognition of the 100^th anniversary of International Women's Day, Scotiabank is building on its long history of supporting women by launching a ten day-long employee drive to collect toiletries for women's shelters and charities around the world. The program kicked off in Toronto today and rolls out at Scotiabank branches and offices across Canada and around the world. Scotiabank invites the public to join by supporting women's charities in their own communities.

"The 100^th anniversary of International Women's Day is an important milestone for women around the world," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communication, Scotiabank. "Our global toiletries drive is the latest in a long series of Scotiabank initiatives to support women in their homes, communities and workplaces. Through the generosity and commitment of Scotiabank's employees around the world, we are pleased to help build a brighter future for women and girls in the communities we call home."

The 100^th anniversary is also an important day to recognize a year of successes for Scotiabank women.

A year ago today, Scotiabank launched the global 'Her Success, Her Way' campaign, a recognition program designed to celebrate the individual choices of Scotiabank women that lead to success not just at work but at home and in the community. Twenty-four women, 12 Canadians and 12 international Scotiabankers were recognized as women who truly define success on their own terms.

"Being recognized for my involvement in the St. John's community made me feel tremendously valued," said Paula Shortall, Branch Manager, Water Street branch, St. Johns, Newfoundland. "I have been involved in my community for many years and have always been so proud to know that my employer shares that commitment.  Being named in the 'Her Success, Her Way' recognition program served as another reminder of Scotiabank's commitment to me as an employee and to the community I care about."

"Being honoured by the Bank for my educational achievements made me feel proud," said Pamela Douglas, International Director Non-Branch Sales & Service, Jamaica. "Obtaining my upper education while balancing work and family obligations was an arduous undertaking and it makes me feel valued to know that my employer appreciates and acknowledges that accomplishment."

Ms. Chrominska, the key sponsor of 'Her Success, Her Way', received honours of her own in July, 2010 when she was named one of three Canadian corporate leaders in the Catalyst Canada Champion Honours, a program recognizing outstanding commitment to the promotion of women in business. Ms. Chrominska was named Human Resources/Diversity Leader for her contribution to advancing women within and beyond the workplace.

Two more Scotiabank women, Barb Mason, Executive Vice President, Wealth Management, Canada, and Wendy Hannam, Executive Vice President, Sales & Service, Products & Marketing, International Banking, received honours in November, 2010 when they were inducted into The Women's Executive Network (WXN) Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Hall of Fame. They join Scotiabank women, Deborah Alexander, Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, Alberta Cefis, Executive Vice President & Head, Global Transaction Banking, Kim McKenzie, Executive Vice President Information Technology & Solutions, and Ms. Chrominska, all previously named to The Hall of Fame.

In addition to the 2011 Toiletry Campaign and as part of its International Women's Day celebrations, Scotiabank will continue the tradition of hosting local Toronto women's groups at its 'Women Helping Women Charity Fair' to inform the public about the important work being done with, and on behalf of, Canadian women. The following partners will participate in the exposition in the Scotia Plaza Concourse on March 8^th from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Scotiabank Support for Women-Focused Organizations and Initiatives
Throughout the year-long 'Her Success, Her Way' campaign, Scotiabank supported women's charities around the world by making a $1,000 donation to the registered charity of choice for each of the 24 women recognized and another $1,000 to the charity of choice for each of the nominators. Following are organizations that received support.

Canada
United Way Toronto
West Toronto Support Services for Seniors and the Disabled
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada - Calgary Chapter
Toronto Foundation for Student Success
Fu Hui Education Foundation
Hong Fook Mental Health Association
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Canada
Lions Foundation of Canada
Agnes Pratt Home Foundation
United Way/ Centraide Ottawa
Canadian Diabetes Association - Ontario Division
Adoptive Families Association of BC
Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture
Kawartha Turtle Trauma Centre
McMaster Children's Hospital
Voices of the Vedas Cultural Sabha
Hospitals of Regina Foundation
CNIB Regina
PACE Canada
East End Child/Parent Development Centre of Metro Toronto

International
Jamaica Christian Boy's Home
Consie Walters Cancer Hospice
Rotary Foundation of Tobago
Asociacion de Asistencia Privada
Oira y Hablara AC
Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf
Fundacion Hermano Pedro
Asociacion Salvadorena de Padres y Amigos de ninos con Cancer
Asociacion de Obras del Espiritu Santo
Asociacion Pro Comedor Infantil de Cartago
Plan International
World Vision (in Korea)
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Un Techo para Chile
Fundacion DEBRA Costa Rica
Asociacion de Vecinos Residencial El Monte
Friends of the Homeless
Truston Basic School
Campion College
Bustamante Children's Hospital 

NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available on the CNW Photo Network and archived at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, 'Bright Future'.  Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has provided on average approximately $44 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.