New program recognizes community heroes who have quarterbacked remarkable changes in their communities

TORONTO, July 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced the launch of Scotiabank Game Changers, a new program that recognizes local heroes in CFL communities across Canada.  Through the program, Scotiabank will recognize the achievements of community heroes and award them with $1,000 for the registered charity or non-profit cause of their choice in celebration of every CFL game. Scotiabank will also provide a $100,000 donation to the cause of a remarkable Scotiabank Game Changer on-field at the 100th Grey Cup game.

"Scotiabank Game Changers honours community heroes as they 'change the game' in their local communities," said Anatol von Hahn, Group Head, Canadian Banking. "It recognizes the commitment and passion of everyday people doing extraordinary things that make a positive impact in their community. Scotiabank knows CFL fans across the country are passionate about the game and their teams, and we are excited to give them an opportunity to celebrate Game Changers in their community as they cheer on the game changers on the field."

During the CFL regular season, Scotiabank will recognize 72 Regional Game Changers and provide them with a $1,000 donation to the registered charity or registered non-profit organization of their choice. At the end of the regular season, from the 72 Regional Game Changers, eight Scotiabank National Game Changer Finalists will be selected and provided a VIP trip to the 100th Grey Cup in Toronto. Of those finalists, one will be selected as the National Scotiabank Game Changer and will receive a $100,000 donation to the registered charity or registered non-profit organization of their choice to be presented at the 100th Grey Cup in Toronto on November 25, 2012. CFL fans can nominate and vote for Scotiabank Game Changers to help choose the initiative that will receive $100,000.

LOOKING DOWN FIELD FOR AN OPEN 'GAME CHANGER' RECEIVER!

People are encouraged to nominate and vote for a Scotiabank Game Changer in their community today, by visiting www.ScotiabankGameChangers.com. During the 2012 CFL regular season, 72 Scotiabank Game Changers will be selected in CFL team markets and rewarded for making a difference in their communities. They will receive:

• $1,000 to the cause or charity of the Scotiabank Game Changer's choice
• Online recognition at ScotiabankGameChangers.com
• Broadcast recognition at select games via Scotiabank's media partner TSN

"The Scotiabank Game Changers program is a great fit for the CFL because it captures the dedication and commitment the players in this league have both to the sport of football and to giving back to their communities," said Mark Cohon, CFL Commissioner. "The CFL is part of the fabric of this country and an integral part of community life in the cities and provinces in which our teams play, and we're proud to help recognize the people in these communities who make a difference."

TSN will also highlight select Scotiabank Game Changers in National broadcasts throughout the regular season.

"TSN is excited to be a part of the Scotiabank Game Changers program and showcase the remarkable stories of everyday Canadians during the CFL on TSN," said Stewart Johnston, President, TSN. "The 'game changing' moments that will ultimately be a part of this program are ones that will inspire us all, and we're proud to have the opportunity to celebrate this group of community heroes with Scotiabank and the CFL."

WHO IS AN ELIGIBLE 'GAME CHANGER' RECEIVER?

Scotiabank Game Changer candidates must demonstrate leadership and community involvement within one of the six Scotiabank Bright Future Philanthropic Pillars: Health, Education, Social Services, Arts, Sports and Environment. Judging criteria for Game Changer selection is based on:

• Leadership
• Challenge
• Impact

"Recognizing the people who have quarterbacked remarkable changes in their communities with a program like Scotiabank Game Changers will help encourage others to do the same," said Kaz Flinn, Vice-President Corporate Social Responsibility, Scotiabank. "Grassroots programs that promote community giving really help affect change in the communities where we live and work."

For more information on how to nominate a Scotiabank Game Changer, to vote for a Scotiabank Game Changer and for full contest rules, please visit www.ScotiabankGameChangers.com, on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at @Scotiabank  #sbgamechangers

About Scotiabank:

Scotiabank is a proud supporter of the Canadian Football League and is the Official Bank of the CFL, 100^th Grey Cup Festival, BC Lions, Edmonton Eskimos, Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.  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 $45 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years.  Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.