Program recognizes community heroes making positive changes in their communities

EDMONTON, May 29, 2013 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced the return of Scotiabank Game Changers, a program that recognizes local heroes in Edmonton during the Edmonton Eskimos regular season. 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 at the first eight Eskimos regular home games this season. Scotiabank will also provide a $25,000 donation to a Scotiabank Game Changer finalist at the final home game of the year.

"Scotiabank Game Changers gives people the opportunity to look into the heart of their communities and find individuals who make a difference every day. We know there are so many people who are doing great things in their community, and that's why we're asking people to nominate someone today," said Michael Wilson, Scotiabank District Vice President, Edmonton District.

Throughout the regular season, fan voting will help decide home game Game Changers. At the end of the regular season, fans will have the chance to vote for their favourite Scotiabank Game Changer, and based on a combination of fan voting and a judging panel, the winner will receive $25,000 for the charity of their choice and other great prizing.

"Scotiabank Game Changers is a great program to get involved with - not only does it help get the word out about community causes but it also helps participants get tremendous support from the community," said Curtis Hargrove, Edmonton's Scotiabank Regional Game Changer Finalist in 2012. "I encourage people to nominate great leaders and role models in their community because the program will help change lives. I didn't realize how much support I had until I was a part of the program, and for me, it's a memory that will last a lifetime."

WHO IS AN ELIGIBLE 'SCOTIABANK 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

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 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 $47 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE: Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations