Giving back to the community they work and live in is the motto for Scotiabank employees and in Prince George they demonstrate that every year by supporting local charities.
The four branches of Scotiabank in Prince George have earned a team award called the Bright Future Community Leadership Award. This award is offered nationally and internationally among 83,000 employees, so it's a very prestigious award to receive, said Trevor Lutes, branch manager for the main branch of the Scotiabank, located in downtown Prince George.
The other honoured branches of the bank include College Heights, Hart Centre and Spruceland.
The local Scotiabank branches have partnered with the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, where employees raise funds and donate volunteer hours to the cause. Employees participated in Hockey Day in Canada satellite location where the local Scotiabank team held a loonie toss in between periods of the nationally televised game and proceeds went to the Spirit of the North.
One event that is a particular favourite for the local Scotiabank team is the Festival of Trees Seniors Tea, which is an annual event they have partnered in for more than 20 years, with proceeds going, once again, to the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation.
The group is also a founding partner of the Cougars' Alumni golf tournament with proceeds going to the Spirit of the North.
"With all the work we do in the community I guess we showed the bank that we are definitely giving back to the community we work and live in," said Lutes.
The award was presented during their annual spring dinner where eight branches of Scotiabank came together Wednesday night to celebrate the Prince George team's achievements.
"We were presented with this award and in conjunction with the presentation, the Scotiabank presented the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation with a cheque for $5,000," said Lutes.
"At Scotiabank we are committed to supporting the communities that we live in and not only here in Canada but in the 65 countries we do business in and this is just an example and while we're very proud of the impact that our employees and staff have in Prince George, I was very proud and humbled that the bank recognized what were were doing here in northern B.C."
In 2014, Scotiabank donated more than 650,000 volunteer hours and contributed $65 million in donations and sponsorships to community causes around the world.
