EDMONTON, AB - November 01, 2014 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced that Whitecourt's Tara Baker has been named the Eskimos 2014 Season Scotiabank Game Changer at the final game of the regular season. She was recognized on the field during the game for the outstanding work that she has done in the community and awarded a $25,000 donation for the charity or registered non-profit organization of her choice, the Whitecourt Community Lunch Box Program.

"We want to congratulate Tara Baker for being named our Scotiabank Game Changer for the Eskimos 2014 season," said Michael Wilson, Scotiabank District Vice President, Edmonton District. "This program helps us recognize and celebrate people who generously give their time and energy into making our communities better places to live. Tara is a great example of how one person can make a real difference."

After noticing her son's classmate didn't have a lunch, Tara Baker started making lunches for her son's school. In 2004, Tara led a group of volunteers to launch the Lunch Box Program at one of the schools in her community. Believing no child should go hungry at school, Tara worked to expand the program and in 2011, all six schools in her community in Whitecourt got involved. Because of her idea, over 65 volunteers have served 50,000 apples, over 13,000 lunches and countless breakfasts to 2,000 students in six schools of two separate school divisions.

Tara was selected as the 2014 Season Scotiabank Game Changer from a group of eight finalists who had each been named a Home-Game Scotiabank Game Changer earlier in the season and were awarded a $1,000 donation for their designated charity. Tara was selected as the overall season Game Changer based on a combination of fan voting and a judging panel.

During the CFL regular season, Scotiabank has recognized 24 Scotiabank Game Changers across sponsored CFL markets.

Looking ahead, the top Game Changer for Hamilton will be announced at the upcoming final regular season game for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on November 8. The top Game Changer for Saskatchewan will be announced at the final Roughriders regular season game also on November 8.

For more information about the Scotiabank Game Changers program, go to www.ScotiabankGameChangers.com, visit us onFacebook and follow us on Twitter at @Scotiafootball #sbgamechangers.

About Scotiabank: 
Scotiabank is a leading financial services provider in over 55 countries and Canada's most international bank. Through Bright Future, our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank and its employees support causes at a grassroots level across six pillars: health, education, social services, arts and culture, environment and sports. Recognized as a leader for our charitable donations and philanthropic activities, Scotiabank has contributed on average $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

About the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club:
The Edmonton Eskimo Football Club is the most successful franchise of the Canadian Football League modern era. Founded in 1949, the team, known for their Green and Gold colours, are 13-time Grey Cup champions, including the historic five-in-a-row from 1978 to 1982. Through our unwavering commitment to integrity, accessibility and passion, the Edmonton Eskimos deliver a sports and entertainment experience worthy of champions. As a community-owned team, we strive to make a positive and meaningful impact in the community and are committed to the development of amateur football across Northern Alberta.