TORONTO, April 26 /CNW/ - Today Scotiabank was announced as the new title sponsor for the 45^th annual CHIN International Picnic during a press conference at Scotia Plaza in downtown Toronto. Held outside, the press conference attracted many spectators with vibrant multicultural performances by a Cassava Latin Band, Philippines Cultural Dance Company, Nachdi Jawani Bhangra Dancers, and a Chinese Lion Dance group.

"CHIN is very proud to have Scotiabank as title sponsor of one of Toronto's longest traditions," said Lenny Lombardi, President and CEO of CHIN Radio/TV International. "The CHIN International Picnic continuously strives to reflect the incredible cultural diversity found in the GTA during this grand summer event and it's such a perfect fit to have Scotiabank on board. Their commitment to the multicultural communities they serve makes our partnership a strong one."

The Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic is the largest free multicultural picnic in Canada, attracting more than 250,000 people each year.

"As strong supporters of Canada's multicultural communities and newcomers to Canada, Scotiabank is proud to take on the new title sponsorship of the Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic," said John Doig, Senior Vice-President, Toronto Region, Scotiabank. "The Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic is a true celebration of the diversity we're fortunate to have here in our city, and Scotiabank is thrilled to support an event that is one of the greatest summer traditions in Toronto."

This year's Scotiabank CHIN International Picnic will be held at Exhibition Place from July 1-3, 2011 and will feature performances and activities representing the diversity of communities across Canada.

"As Canada's most international bank - with operations in some 50 countries around the world - Scotiabank is committed to the multicultural communities it serves," said Ahmad Dajani, Vice-President Multicultural Banking, Scotiabank. "We are proud to sponsor the CHIN International Picnic which brings together people of all ethnicities and truly demonstrates that when commerce, culture and community come together, we are laying the groundwork for a Bright Future that benefits all of us."

As part of this year's picnic, Scotiabank and CHIN Radio/TV International will fundraise in support of the Red Door Family Shelter, a Toronto-based shelter which provides services for families and individuals, including refugees and women who are fleeing violence.

A new online portal has been created to provide information, updates and contests for this year's Scotiabank CHIN Picnic.  Please visit www.scotiabankchinpicnic.com.

The Scotiabank CHIN Picnic is the newest addition to the Bank's portfolio of arts and culture sponsorship properties including: Scotiabank Caribana, Scotiabank BuskerFest, Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, Scotiabank Giller Prize, Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival and Scotiabank Theatre.

About CHIN Radio/TV International
CHIN Radio is the first multicultural/multilingual station licensed in Ontario. Celebrating its 45th year, CHIN Radio is considered a pioneer in multicultural radio broadcasting which has been recognized as a model for multicultural broadcasting across Canada. CHIN Radio broadcasts in over 30 languages to more than 30 distinct cultural groups in the greater metropolitan Toronto and southern Ontario areas on CHIN AM1540/FM100.7, and in over 20 languages and cultures in the Ottawa/Gatineau region on 97.9FM CJLL.  CHIN Radio Ottawa, licensed in 2003, is the very first full service multicultural radio station in our nation's capital. CHIN Radio continues to make a valuable contribution to the cause of multiculturalism, by helping to build bridges of understanding and by celebrating our unique Canadian multicultural mosaic.  www.chinradio.com.

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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