Scotiabank commits $50,000 to Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

TORONTO, April 23, 2020 /CNW/ - To demonstrate its commitment to the communities of Nova Scotia, Scotiabank is donating $300,000 to help provide immediate and longer-term support to those impacted by recent tragic events. 

"In communities like Portapique, Wentworth, Debert, Shubenacadie, Milford and Enfield, a horrific event like this is unimaginable," said Dan Rees, Group Head, Canadian Banking, Scotiabank. "The impact of this tragedy can be felt across all of Nova Scotia, as well as the entire country. As we grieve and begin to slowly recover from this terrible event, Scotiabank will be working closely with the community to ensure help is available where the need is greatest."   

To support first responders, as well as longer term relief efforts in the province, Scotiabank is donating $50,000 to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia directing support to the Tema Foundation Named Grant which provides Mental Health and Wellness services for First Responders, Care Providers and the people in their lives. 

To provide longer term relief, Scotiabank will donate an additional $250,000 to various local organizations that will help those most acutely impacted by the tragedy.

"Our global bank was founded nearly 188 years ago in Halifax as the Bank of Nova Scotia. The principles, values, and integrity that our Nova Scotian origins represent still guide Scotiabank today," Dan Rees continued. "It is difficult to find relief in the wake of a tragedy such as this, but all Scotiabankers – and Canadians – are standing with Nova Scotia during this trying time."

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is a leading bank in the Americas. Guided by our purpose: "for every future," we help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With a team of approximately 100,000 employees and assets of approximately $1.2 trillion (as at January 31, 2020), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit http://www.scotiabank.com and follow us on Twitter @ScotiabankViews.

Staffing Announcement

“The Foundation is thrilled to welcome Laura and Erica to our team,” says Starr Cunningham, President & CEO. “Their enthusiasm and passion for our cause will go a long way in helping us achieve our goal of seeing Nova Scotians who are living with mental illness and addiction thriving in our communities.”

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY OFFICE CLOSURE

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia has been closely monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and continues to follow the directives of our Provincial and Federal Government. Our first priority is the health and safety of our team and clients. Public health officials have advised social distancing is the most effective way to minimize the transmission of the spread of COVID-19. As such, will be closing our office until further notice.

COVID-19 Update from Starr

As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, it’s more likely we’ll begin to see cases in Nova Scotia. Our decisions will be guided by the NSHA and directives from our Provincial and Federal Government. As such, we have cancelled our upcoming Let’s Keep Talking event slated for May 7, 2020 in Truro to minimize the risk of spreading the virus.

Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s A Different Stage of Mind SOLD OUT!

(Halifax, NS- March 4, 2020)— The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is beaming with pride as it prepares for a sold-out event at the Halifax Convention Centre Friday, March 6.

The variety show will be a sight to behold when 32 community leaders take the stage in front of a sold–out house to raise funds for community mental health initiatives. Proudly presented by BMO Bank of Montreal, A Different Stage of Mind challenges Nova Scotian community leaders to put their fears aside and perform as musical stars.

More than half of the five groups involved have exceeded their initial fundraising target of $50,000 and have their sights set on even higher goals! Each group has committed to raising $50,000 for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia through ticket sales, fundraisers, and high end sponsorships.

A Different Stage of Mind has been a hot ticket with guests securing their seats as early as  ___. Tickets were half sold by…  The event is now officially at capacity and tickets completely sold out with attendance capped at 824 guests. The Foundation is compiling a growing wait list.

“This outstanding response speaks directly to the theme of this year’s event— A Vision for Mental Health,” says Starr Cunningham, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO. "People are seeing clearly now the vital need for mental health and addiction supports and services while recognizing the important role the Foundation plays in funding those initiatives in communities throughout Nova Scotia.”

A Different Stage of Mind will be emceed by longtime host Mayor Mike Savage with C100’s Peter Harrison taking the stage as Auctioneer. Those in attendance will be treated to performances by:

The Village People: The First Responders led by Hon. Dave Wilson featuring Insp. Dustine Rodier, Supt. Don MacLean, and 911 Dispatcher Lana Grant

The Barenaked Ladies: Paul Leblanc, Arrivals +Departures Founder & CEO

The Conter Crooners: Jenna, Adam & Howard Conter, TEMA Foundation

Pink: Melissa Berry & Josh Kogon, Royal LePage Atlantic

ABBA: The Glorious Ladies (Alisa Alyward, Alyssa Kelly, Alexa Bagnell, Sue Bachur, Clare Champoux, Tanya Cook, Krista Dempsey, Patricia Depalma, Cynthia Dorrington, Karen Gardiner, Laura Gibson, Susan Grant, Pooja Malini Gunaseelan, Kim MacDonald, Jean MacDougall, Dawn MacLachlan, Rebecca Jabbour, Sharon Resky, Wendy Ross Clark, Karen Spaulding, Michele Trider, Carolyn Wood)

The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia would like to thank all the sponsors, partners and supporters who’ve helped make this event a sell-out success. Our heartfelt gratitude to presenting sponsor BMO Bank of Montreal; Branding Partner, Revolve; Event Partner, ZedEvents great productions; Video Partner, RPM Productions; Media Partner, CTV News Atlantic; A/V Partner, FMAV; and Print Partner Advocate Printing and Publishing. 

Donations are still being accepted in support of our stars until the night of the event. For more information about A Different Stage of Mind or to donate visit mentalhealthns.ca.