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

TORONTO, Aug. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Scotiabank wants you to help uncover local community heroes in Toronto by nominating a Scotiabank Game Changer today. With the Toronto Argonauts season underway, more than 25 Scotiabank Game Changers have already been recognized across Canada, but there is still time to send local heroes from Toronto 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 Oliver Uppal, Scotiabank's District Vice President, GTA/Mississauga and Oakville. "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 terrific 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 Toronto Argonauts' season, Scotiabank will recognize nine Scotiabank Game Changers at home games. With three already nominated 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:

TORONTO ARGONAUTS SCOTIABANK GAME CHANGERS

Brandon Ducharme, Children's Health Foundation, July 7, 2012

Brandon is an outgoing six year old who was diagnosed with cancer when he was four. Brandon first got involved with the Children's Health Foundation through a family friend who had recently lost her husband to Leukemia. Brandon was thrilled with the idea of going around collecting change with his cowboy hat on, and helping to collect money to help save children's lives. While working with the Children's Health Foundation is fairly new to Brandon he has made significant contributions since getting involved. He participated in the Change Bandits fundraiser, raising over $2,000 by decorating large mason jars and placing them in local business and in a charity golf tournament raising $2,500.

Dana Florence, Three To Be, July 18, 2012

Dana and her husband's triplets were diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy one year after they were born. It was right then that Dana decided she was going to do anything and everything for their kids. Dana saw the need for more research and programs for kids with medical conditions, and decided to start a fund Three to Be at the Hospital for Sick Children and Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation centre. Dana has been fundraising for two years and her kids have been her source of inspiration. The families that she works with and the kids that have benefited from Three to Be motivate her to keep going and continue to raise money for the cause.

Sari Cornfield, David Cornfield Melanoma Fund, August 6, 2012

Sari started the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund five years ago after her husband, David, died from Melanoma. What started as one fundraiser has evolved into a foundation that is dedicated to raising awareness and educating about Melanoma. Sari believed there was a lack of awareness about risks associated with Melanoma, and her foundation created a video entitled, "Dear 16 Year Old Me," which has been viewed by millions of people around the world. This video was the first of its kind related to Melanoma and has significantly increased awareness of the disease.

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.

"Scotiabank Game Changers is a great way for fans and non-fans alike to get out in their community and recognize individuals who are dedicated to improving the lives of others by creating bright futures," said David Bedford, Toronto Argonauts' Senior Vice President, Business Operations. "Every game, we see the dedication that Toronto Argonauts fans have to our team and we know there are local game changers who are dedicated to their community in the same way. I encourage people to get out and nominate, or vote for, a Scotiabank Game Changer from the Toronto community so we can celebrate those people, just as we celebrate this great game."

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 the Toronto area 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
• Broadcast recognition at select games on TSN

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

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