REGINA, SK - May 28, 2014 /CNW/ -  With the football season about to kick off, Scotiabank is proud to announce the start of another year of the Scotiabank Game Changers program and encourages everyone to nominate community heroes they want to see recognized during the Saskatchewan Roughriders regular season.

Scotiabank Game Changers will be recognized and awarded $1,000 for the registered charity or non-profit cause of their choice at the first eight Roughriders regular home games this season. Scotiabank will also provide a $25,000 donation to the selected Scotiabank Game Changer finalist at the last home game of the year.

"Scotiabank Game Changers puts a much deserved spotlight on people who are committed to making a difference in their communities," said Bob Taylor, Scotiabank District Vice President, Saskatchewan South District. "We have recognized some great Game Changers in past seasons. We are looking forward to discovering more local heroes and supporting the causes that matter to them. I want to encourage people to nominate someone today."

Throughout the regular season, fan voting and a jury panel will help decide home game Scotiabank Game Changers. Towards 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 their designated charity.

"I would like to encourage charities to nominate one of their volunteers for the Scotiabank Game Changer Program," said Jennifer Ellarma, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Saskatchewan. "Last year, supporting the Saskatchewan Regional Game Changer Winner, Darren Whitehead, was something that brought our organization together in a common goal, our membership was able to interact and be part of something on a daily basis. The program has brought about a better awareness of Special Olympics in our Province and the prize will continue to help our communities into the future."

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 the Scotiabank 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 at Facebook.com/ScotiabankGameChangers 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 some $50 million annually over the last five years to community causes around the world. Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

Media Inquiries: 
Kate Weersink
High Road
kate.weersink@highroad.com
416-644-2241

Diana Hart
Scotiabank
diana.hart@scotiabank.com 
416-866-7238