TORONTO, ON - January 07, 2014 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today donated $20,000 to the Ontario government's ice storm relief efforts with the funds being matched by the Ontario government. The donation will go to assist the grocery gift card program coordinated with the assistance of the Daily Bread Food Bank.

"We hope that these funds will help with recovery efforts for individuals, families and communities following the recent ice storm," said James McPhedran, Executive Vice President of Retail Distribution at Scotiabank. "We would also like to take a moment to sincerely thank all of the people who worked tirelessly to restore power, phone lines, and provide emergency services, many giving up their own holiday plans to do so." 

The government has expanded the program to the communities of Dufferin County, Durham Region, Halton Region, City of Hamilton, Northumberland County, Peel Region, Waterloo Region, Wellington County and York Region. The program is available to residents who would be unable to replace their food losses without assistance. For further information on the gift card program, please visithttp://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/emergency-information.

Today's announcement is in addition to a $20,000 donation made by Scotiabank to the Daily Bread Food Bank on December 6^th, 2013 in support of food banks in the Greater Toronto Area.

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. Scotiabank distributes the Bank's media releases using CNW. For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

Media Contact:
Paula Cufre
Scotiabank Media Communications
416-866-4833