Get in the game: Nominate a Scotiabank Game Changer today

A local hero from Edmonton could receive a $100,000 donation for their community efforts to the charity of their choice at the 100^th Grey Cup in Toronto

EDMONTON, Aug. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Scotiabank wants you to help uncover local community heroes in Edmonton by nominating a Scotiabank Game Changer today. With the Edmonton Eskimos season underway, more than 25 Scotiabank Game Changers have already been recognized across Canada, but there is still time to send local heroes from Edmonton into the spotlight by visiting www.ScotiabankGameChangers.com and submitting a nomination.

"Scotiabank Game Changers gives people the opportunity to look into the heart of their communities and find individuals who make a difference everyday," said Chris Bruce, Scotiabank District Vice President, Edmonton District. "The success of the Scotiabank Game Changers so far this season has been tremendous, with dozens of community game changers recognized in CFL markets across Canada. We know there are so many people who are doing great things in their community, and that's why we're asking people to keep the momentum alive and nominate someone today."

Over the course of the Edmonton Eskimos season, Scotiabank will recognize eight Scotiabank Game Changers at home games. With three already nominated this season, there's still time left to get in the game and nominate a friend, neighbour, spouse, cousin - anyone who is making a positive impact. Nominating is easy, just visit www.ScotiabankGameChangers.com and tell us about someone who is doing great things.

INSTANT REPLAY

Take a look at the Scotiabank Game Changers who have already been recognized:

EDMONTON ESKIMOS SCOTIABANK GAME CHANGERS

Dwayne Myrmo, Edmonton Down Syndrome Society, June 30, 2012

Dwayne and his wife got involved with the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society when their daughter was born with this genetic condition. The organization helped them when they were starting out and they wanted to give back as much as possible and provide assistance to other parents who needed help. This year, Dwayne will start training to be able to coach people of all ages with most types of developmental or physical disabilities to play soccer.  Dwayne gives his time and energy freely to the community because he recognizes that volunteers are so important to ensuring that people are able to have many experiences and benefits.

Dave Calhoun, Boysdale Camp Foundation, July 13, 2012

Dave's passion for camping as a young boy prompted him to do something about bringing the abandoned Boysdale Camp near Edmonton back to life. In fact, when he saw its condition, he said "it was like putting a rope around my heart." So he and a group of volunteers started doing something about it, including organizing numerous fundraising activities and mobilizing the community for this good cause. Once open, the camp will offer low income children the chance to experience a one-week camp program that will teach self esteem, outdoor skills, and give some peace of mind.

Shannon Stewart, Basically Babies, August 10, 2012

Shannon was nominated as a Scotiabank Game Changer because of her work with Basically Babies. Through her charity, Shannon and a team of volunteers prepare baby "layettes", which are packages provided to babies born to low income families. The layettes contain gently used donated items, such as a baby's wardrobe for an entire year, toys, books and other items. The layettes go out through 80 different agencies, non-profit organizations, charities and other health care organizations to families that are living in extreme need. Shannon founded Basically Babies 19 years ago; she started it in her basement just gathering extra baby clothes and making up some layettes. Now, the charity has grown -- and some 150 volunteers work at the organization out of a warehouse/office. Basically Babies helps out approximately 400 families each year in the greater Edmonton area.

David Adomaka-Ansah, Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, August 17, 2012

David has had to overcome so many health complications at such a young age and now is taking action, giving back to the Stollery Hospital, a place that he believes has given his life back to him. David has been fighting for his life for many years. He has spent many days, months and years at the Stollery Children's Hospital. David also has lupus, and requires checkups, biopsies, MRIs and echocardiograms on a regular basis. David goes back to the Stollery Hospital and speaks to youngsters and families about his illness and overcoming it in hopes of inspiring others to live their lives to their fullest. David also started his own non-profit organization called Dunk on Disease. He raises money for the Stollery Children Hospitals through events like basketball tournaments, silent auctions, t-shirt sales, pub crawls, and now most recently is organizing a dodge ball tournament to raise money for the hospital.

These game-changing finalists have a shot at becoming a National Game Changer Finalist. That means they could win a game-changing sum of $100,000 for the registered charity or non-profit organization of choice at the 100^th Grey Cup in Toronto.

"Scotiabank Game Changers is a great way for fans and non-fans alike to get out in their community and recognize individuals who are dedicated to improving the lives of others by creating bright futures," said Kavis Reed, Edmonton Eskimos Head Coach. "Every game, we see the dedication that Edmonton Eskimos fans have to our team and we know there are local game changers who are dedicated to their community in the same way. I encourage people to get out and nominate, or vote for, a Scotiabank Game Changer so we can celebrate those people, just as we celebrate this great game."

TIME IS TICKING DOWN

There's still time on the clock to nominate, or vote for, a Scotiabank Game Changer. Over the course of the 2012 CFL regular season, nine Scotiabank Game Changers will be selected in Edmonton and be rewarded for making a difference in their communities. They will receive:

• $1,000 to the cause or charity of the Scotiabank Game Changer's choice
• Online recognition at ScotiabankGameChangers.com
• Broadcast recognition at select games on TSN

TSN will also highlight select Scotiabank Game Changers in National broadcasts throughout the regular season.

SCOTIABANK GAME CHANGERS PLAY BY PLAY

During the CFL regular season, Scotiabank is recognizing 72 Regional Game Changers in all CFL team markets and providing them with a $1,000 donation to the registered charity or registered non-profit organization of their choice. At the end of the regular season, from the 72 Regional Game Changers, eight Scotiabank National Game Changer Finalists will be selected and provided a VIP trip to the 100th Grey Cup in Toronto. Of those finalists, one will be selected as the National Game Changer and will receive a $100,000 donation to the registered charity or registered non-profit organization of their choice to be presented at the 100th Grey Cup in Toronto on November 25, 2012. CFL fans can nominate and vote for Scotiabank Game Changers to help choose the initiative that will receive $100,000.

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 and follow us on Twitter at @ScotiaCFL  #sbgamechangers

About Scotiabank:

Scotiabank is a proud supporter of the Canadian Football League and is the Official Bank of the CFL, 100^th Grey Cup Festival, BC Lions, Edmonton Eskimos, Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.  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 $45 million annually to community causes around the world over each of the last five years.  Visit us at www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE: Scotiabank

Media Inquiries: 

Sheena Findlay
Scotiabank
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647-628-3501