Supports collaborative Canadian research network

HALIFAX, April 4 /CNW/ - The vision of ending multiple sclerosis in the shortest time possible is now a step closer thanks to a major gift from Scotiabank.  At a customer reception in advance of the Bank's Annual General Meeting in Halifax, Scotiabank President and CEO, Rick Waugh, today announced a $600,000 donation to support activities to attract, train and retain MS researchers and increase opportunities to conduct MS research in Canada.

The gift is directed to the endMS Research and Training Network, a nationwide initiative of the MS Society of Canada and funded through the MS Society's related MS Scientific Research Foundation. The collaborative network of researchers and trainees across Canada was formed to accelerate discovery in the field of multiple sclerosis and is the flagship investment of the MS Society's $60 million endMS capital campaign.

"The endMS Research and Training Network is a shining example of how research can be strengthened through collaboration of talent, ideas and best practices," said Rick Waugh, President and Chief Executive Officer, Scotiabank.  "With our own operations across Canada and the world, we understand the importance of working together and believe that the endMS Research and Training Network is the right approach to making significant progress against this disease. Through our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future, we are proud to be a part of this Canadian initiative to end MS."

Representatives of the Atlantic endMS Regional Research and Training Centre (RRTC) - one of five regional hubs of the broader network - were on hand for the presentation of the donation. Through innovative MS research-focused award programs and education and training opportunities, the Atlantic endMS RRTC is enhancing knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration among researchers and trainees across the region. The goal is to increase the number of researchers and trainees pursuing MS research for the long term while continuing to recruit new talent to the field of MS.

"Scotiabank's generous gift will strengthen the Atlantic region's position as a major contributor to Canada's effort to end MS," said Yves Savoie, President and CEO of the MS Society. "It will impact the pace and progress of MS research by drawing the brightest minds to an area already renowned for their ability to attract world-class researchers."

Scotiabank has long participated in advancing the MS cause through involvement in fundraising events and by funding research and programs delivered to those touched directly by MS. Scotiabank has contributed to the MS Society of Canada in various ways for over 30 years.

About multiple sclerosis, the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and endMS
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. Please visit www.mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 to make a donation or for more information.

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, Scotiabank 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

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