The Bank of Nova Scotia is bringing together all of its charitable, social and community efforts and employee volunteer activities under a vast new program, which will feature new awards for community leadership and new online resources.

Scotiabank (TSX:BNS) launched its new Bright Future philanthropic program at its Old Banking Hall in downtown Toronto on Friday, with hundreds of bank employees present.

“Giving back is a very essential part of our culture,” said Scotiabank president and CEO Rick Waugh, who announced the new program. “We understand that we do have a responsibility to be a good corporate citizen. It has to be fundamental to the way we do our business.”

Waugh emphasized that the new program is international in scope, tying together the bank’s community activities in more than 50 countries where it operates. The bank’s global philanthropic activities are concentrated in five main areas: education, arts, health, social services and environment.

“Scotiabank has always had these deep connections – very deep connections – to the communities in which we serve,” Waugh said.

A key aspect of the Bright Future program is building upon the bank’s existing volunteer and community involvement activities. A new global Bright Future website for employees will feature information about local charitable organizations and local volunteer opportunities, as well as stories, photos and ideas to motivate employees.

“Our employees really are at the heart of Scotiabank’s charitable work, and our hope is that with the launch of the Scotiabank Bright Future program, that together, we’re going to be able to do even more,” said Sylvia Chrominska, group head of global human resources and communications.

The bank has also launched a Bright Future Community Leadership Award to encourage volunteerism among employees. Each year, the award will recognize Scotiabank employees and teams for outstanding commitment to their communities and leadership in helping those in need. Winners will be awarded prizes ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to contribute to registered charities of their choice.

A separate award program launched by Scotiabank on Friday – the Bright Future Young Leaders Award – is designed to encourage youth to give back to their communities. Winners will be awarded $1,000 to contribute to the charity of their choice, as well as a laptop or tablet computer.

“Engagement of youth around the world is vital to the continued operation of charitable and not-for-profit enterprises,” said Waugh.

The Bright Future program also encompasses the bank’s charitable giving activities, with a new dedicated website designed to make it easier and more transparent for charities to apply for support.

To mark the launch, Scotiabank announced a $1-million donation to Toronto-based Hospital for Sick Children’s International Patient Program, which provides care to children from outside of Canada.

Craig Kielburger, founder of charitable organization Free The Children, commended Scotiabank for the Bright Future initiative.

“I’m proud to be joining and celebrating another Canadian institution – a Canadian-founded corporation that is active coast-to-coast, but truly active around the globe,” Kielburger said, speaking at the launch event.

IE