HAMILTON, ON, June 8, 2011 /CNW/ - During a lunch held today at the 6^th World Conference on Breast Cancer in Hamilton, Scotiabank announced that more than $120,000 had been raised through the national Scotiabank Lapel Pin Fundraising Campaign. The funds were raised through donations made at Scotiabank branches which were then matched by the Bank.  The money was used to bring more than 100 delegates from Canada and around the globe to the conference who otherwise could not afford to attend.  Scotiabank is also the premier sponsor of the World Conference on Breast Cancer.

"This conference is an extremely important forum for survivors, health care professionals and others from around the world to exchange information and share experiences as they strive together to reach a common goal - the eradication of breast cancer," said Sue Graham Parker, Senior Vice President, Public, Corporate and Government Affairs. "This is a unique opportunity for those affected by the disease to tell their stories and strengthen their international breast cancer network. We are proud of our global Bright Future program, through which we are able to sponsor so many delegates to this important conference."

Lapel pins were offered in exchange for donations in branches across the country from April 1 - May 31, 2011. The Scotiabank Lapel Pin Fundraising Campaign has raised more than $920,000 since 2002.  Funds raised are donated to the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation which then brings delegates to participate at the conferences.

The lapel pin fundraiser provides sponsorships for delegates like Amy Sikazwe from Zambia. During today's lunch, Ms. Sikazwe, secretary, Breakthrough Cancer Trust of Zambia, shared her inspiring story of the power and legacy of the conference.  Her fellow country woman first attended the 2002 conference to learn about building a support program for women with breast cancer in Zambia. She explained that Scotiabank's sponsorship has made it possible for her and her predecessors to attend the conferences over the years, and take their learnings back home to Zambia.

Scotiabank is a founding supporter of the World Conference on Breast Cancer, which originated 15 years ago in Kingston, Ontario.  Since then, conferences have been held every three years in Ottawa, Victoria, Halifax and Winnipeg.

About the World Conference on Breast Cancer
Founded by a group of breast cancer survivors, the conference has grown into a multi-disciplinary, international gathering that allows women and men from around the world to engage in discussion and develop valuable tools to assist them in their journey with breast cancer.  The 6^th World Conference on Breast Cancer in Hamilton from June 7 - 11, will provide opportunities to educate and share information on all aspects of breast cancer: research, diagnosis, treatment, support, prevention, outreach and education.  For additional information please visit www.wcbcf.ca.

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.