Scotiabank branches across Canada kicked off a pink ribbon campaign today to help the World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation.

All branches across the country will sell pink ribbons and lapel pins to raise funds to give financial assistance to those who could otherwise not afford to attend the 4th World Conference on Breast Cancer.

“Scotiabank supports this conference because it is important to our employees and our customers, in Canada and around the world,” said Rick Waugh, President and CEO, Scotiabank. “As a global employer, we recognize the importance of bringing people from around the world together in one place to exchange information and share experiences in the fight against breast cancer. This year, a number of our colleagues outside of Canada are promoting the Conference with brochures available in branches in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America.”

In 2002, Scotiabank employees and customers donated $68,000 to the campaign which subsidized conference fees for 60 breast cancer survivors.

“Scotiabank has embraced the conference vision from the very beginning,” said Valerie Hepburn, president, World Conference on Breast Cancer Foundation. “They are sending a clear message to communities in Canada and around the world that they care deeply about breast cancer and women’s health.”

The 4th World Conference on Breast Cancer — taking place June 8-12, 2005 in Halifax, Nova Scotia — will provide opportunities to educate and share information on all aspects of breast cancer: research, diagnosis, treatment, support, prevention, outreach and education.