TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2011 /CNW/ - Today, Scotiabank executives joined NHL Alumni Gary Roberts, Wendel Clark, Curtis Joseph, Darryl Sittler and Mark Napier and youth from three local United Way sponsored agencies for a friendly game of hockey at Ricoh Coliseum.  In its fourth year, the Scotia Hope Hockey Classic was played in support of Scotiabank's 2011 employee fundraising campaign for United Way.

"Our hockey program is one way that we are supporting the communities where our customers and employees live, work and play", said Anatol von Hahn, Scotiabank Group Head, Canadian Banking. "For over 15 years, our employees have been bringing hope to the communities we serve through our longstanding partnership with United Way. Today is an example of our employees coming together with people in the community who benefit from local United Way agencies."

The two hockey teams were a mix of Scotiabank executives, kids from the Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Club, Central Neighbourhood House and St. Christopher's House, and NHL hockey legends.  Scotiabank and its partner Pro Hockey Life, the ultimate hockey megastore, outfitted the youth with complete hockey gear and equipment for them to keep.

"Another year, and another great game has come together through our partnership with Scotiabank - all for a fantastic cause," said Mark Napier, Executive Director of NHL Alumni Association. "We are proud to support United Way in their goal to help build communities and improve lives. It is an inspirational organization that truly encourages people to make a difference."

"Today, families are facing tremendous uncertainty and the need for our agencies' services continues to grow," said Julia Gorman, Vice President, Resource Development, United Way Toronto. "Events like this afternoon's hockey game and the Scotia Hope employee fundraising campaign remind us that we can all take an active role to help improve the lives of children and families in our community."

Scotia Hope, Scotiabank's 2011 employee fundraising campaign for United Way, encourages employees to join the effort to give hope to neighbourhoods in the GTA.  Through employee and corporate donations, Scotiabank hopes to raise more than $5.7 million this year to help women, men, youth and children in our community.  This money will help address the very serious challenges of hunger and homelessness, and help Canadian newcomers build lives right across the GTA.

About Scotiabank
As the Official Bank of the NHL®, NHLPA®, NHL Alumni™ and the CWHL, Scotiabank is very proud to be Canada's Hockey Bank.  Scotiabank has a long tradition of supporting hockey in Canada from local teams and minor hockey associations to professional players and leagues.  Through its partnerships, Scotiabank's hockey programs enrich the communities where Canadians live and work by engaging fans and players in new ways to celebrate our game.  Scotiabank supports the passion and pride Canadians feel for hockey and believes it is fundamental to helping young people learn about teamwork, camaraderie and the spirit of competition. Scotiabank's partnership with Pro Hockey Life provides exclusive in-store and online discounts to the Bank's customers, promotes advice on equipment and enhances the grassroots community programs of both companies.  Scotiabank also has partnerships with the Montreal Canadiens®, the Calgary Flames® whose home arena is the Scotiabank Saddledome, and the Ottawa Senators® whose home arena is Scotiabank Place.  For more information on Scotiabank's hockey programs visit www.scotiahockeyclub.com.

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.