A local hero from Manitoba could receive a $100,000 donation for their community efforts to the charity of their choice at the 100^th Grey Cup in Toronto

WINNIPEG, Aug. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Scotiabank wants you to help uncover local community heroes in Manitoba by nominating a Scotiabank Game Changer today. With the CFL season underway, more than 25 Scotiabank Game Changers have already been recognized across Canada, but there is still time to send local heroes from Manitoba into the spotlight by visiting www.ScotiabankGameChangers.com and submitting a nomination.

"Scotiabank Game Changers gives people the opportunity to look into the heart of their communities and find individuals who make a difference everyday," said Terry Bjornson, District Vice-President, Winnipeg District, Scotiabank. "The success of the Scotiabank Game Changers so far this season has been tremendous, with dozens of community game changers recognized in CFL markets across Canada. We know there are so many people who are doing great things in their community, and that's why we're asking people to keep the momentum alive and nominate someone today."

Over the course of the 2012 CFL season, Scotiabank will recognize nine Game Changers in celebration of each CFL home game. With three already recognized in Manitoba this season, there's still time left to get in the game and nominate a friend, neighbour, spouse, cousin - anyone who is making a positive impact. Nominating is easy, just visit www.ScotiabankGameChangers.com and tell us about someone who is doing great things.

INSTANT REPLAY

Take a look at the Scotiabank Game Changers who have already been recognized:

SCOTIABANK GAME CHANGERS

Joe Aiello, Cancer Care Manitoba, July 26, 2012

Joe is a well-known radio personality in Winnipeg who works tirelessly by volunteering his time to support and promote various charities in the city. Joe's efforts to raise funds for Cancer Care Manitoba are in memory of his late wife. He runs an annual golf tournament every June in support of Cancer Care Manitoba that raises some $20,000 for cancer research. He also hosts a wine tasting event in support of the Special Olympics that raises more than $8,000 annually. Joe is a great friend to the entire community and supports countless charity events across Winnipeg every year.

Mike Todd, GlobalMedic, August 3, 2012

Mike is a paramedic and First Aid instructor who has recognized the need for sharing his expertise with other people. Mike embarked on a capacity-building mission to Cambodia where he spent two weeks providing medical training, checkup clinics and delivered much-needed supplies to local health clinics. He also led training on First Aid and CPR techniques for firefighters in Cambodia. In Canada, Mike continues to take an active leadership role through his position as founding Co-Chair of GlobalMedic Manitoba Chapter, leading the expansion of GlobalMedia throughout Canada.

Ken Opaleke, West Broadway Youth Outreach, August 16, 2012

Ken is dedicated to helping youth through the West Broadway Youth Outreach (WBYO). He has dedicated his time and energy to providing a safe environment for disadvantaged children through the WBYO. Ken works closely with local schools in Winnipeg's core area to help provide opportunities for children so they can participate in extracurricular activities such as swimming, cooking, sports, bookclubs and homework clubs. The WBYO offers all the programming free of charge. Ken mentors the children who attend the WBYO, challenging and encouraging them to reach their goals - whether it's an A on a report card or reading their first book.

These game-changing finalists have a shot at becoming a National Game Changer Finalist. That means they could win a game-changing sum of $100,000 for the registered charity or non-profit organization of choice at the 100^th Grey Cup in Toronto.

TIME IS TICKING DOWN

There's still time on the clock to nominate, or vote for a Scotiabank Game Changer. Over the course of the 2012 CFL regular season, nine Scotiabank Game Changers will be selected in Manitoba and be 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

SCOTIABANK GAME CHANGERS PLAY BY PLAY

During the CFL regular season, Scotiabank is recognizing 72 Regional Game Changers in all CFL team markets and providing 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 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.

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 @ScotiaCFL  #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.

SOURCE: Scotiabank