HALIFAX, Oct. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - Scotiabank announced today a transformational gift of $750,000 for the IWK Health Centre.  The donation will support Child Safety Link, a Maritime-wide injury prevention program, as well as the redevelopment of the IWK's Rehabilitation Services - a priority area for the tertiary care hospital, which serves the region.

"Scotiabank is proud to support the IWK Health Centre, a vital part of the Maritime community, through our Bright Future philanthropic program," said Islay McGlynn, Senior Vice President of Scotiabank's Atlantic Region.  "The IWK Health Centre changes lives for our young people, for women across the region and for families. And Scotiabank shares in their belief that healthy communities make stronger communities."

"We are extremely grateful to Scotiabank for supporting our patients and for sending a message that Maritime families deserve to be safe and well cared for," said Anne McGuire, President and CEO of the IWK Health Centre. "Today's donation means a great deal to families who believe, like we do, that children deserve to reach their full potential."

One of those families travelled from Prince Edward Island to thank Scotiabank representatives in person.  After a near-fatal injury, 14-year-old Tyson MacDonald required intensive rehabilitation in order to re-learn everything - including how to speak, how to walk and how to feed himself. 

"Tyson is here today because of the IWK teams who didn't give up," said Tyson's mother, Linda.

"Our donors are dedicated to making the IWK the best in the world," said Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO, IWK Health Centre Foundation.  "Scotiabank's contribution will have a lasting impact on the way patients are cared for at the IWK."

The IWK's various Rehabilitation Services are located throughout the health centre, on many different floors.  Redeveloping these services in one central area will allow for better collaboration between clinical staff and less travel and wait time for patients and families - many of whom have a full day of checkups.

Scotiabank's contribution will also support Child Safety Link's Childhood Injury Prevention Resource Guide, to be created and distributed around the Maritimes. Child Safety Link's mission is to reduce the incidence and severity of injury to children and youth.

Scotiabank
Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad, through our global philanthropic program, 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.

IWK Health Centre
The IWK Health Centre is the region's leading health centre providing specialized, quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritimes and beyond. In addition to providing highly specialized (tertiary) care, the IWK also provides primary care services.   The IWK is also engaged in leading-edge research; works to promote healthy lifestyles for families; and as an academic health centre provides education opportunities for health professionals and other learners.   Visit www.iwk.nshealth.ca for more information.

IWK Health Centre Foundation
The IWK Health Centre Foundation helps sustain excellence in specialized care at the IWK for all Maritime families.  Last year our generous donors contributed over $16 million to the areas of greatest need at the IWK, including neonatal and pediatric intensive care, women's health and mental health services for children and youth.  Funds raised also support world-renowned researchers and the purchase of modernized technology and equipment.  Visit www.iwkfoundation.org for more information.

SOURCE Scotiabank - Sponsorships & Donations