Scotiabank donates millions to Hurricane Irma victims

Scotiabank is donating US$500,000 (J$65,000,000) to charitable organisations assisting with the rescue and relief efforts in the many Caribbean countries impacted by Hurricane Irma.

The Canadian Red Cross will receive US$250,000 of Scotiabank's donation, with the remainder being directed to initiatives supporting young people in the affected communities. Red Cross Societies are already active, mobilising volunteers to the affected areas and relaying public awareness messages.

Relief supplies are on standby in Panama and the Dominican Republic. The Canadian Red Cross has a presence in the area and is coordinating with the International Federation of the Red Cross and supporting the mobilisation of regional Red Cross teams.

"The devastation caused in the countries impacted by Hurricane Irma is heartbreaking. Scotiabank has been part of the affected communities for decades. We are committed to the region, and will support our customers and employees during these challenging times," said Brian Porter, president and chief executive officer, Scotiabank International.

"We are saddened to learn that there has been significant destruction due to the Hurricane. We stand with the affected islands across the region, and intend to assist wherever we can", said Jacqueline Sharp, president and CEO Scotia Group Jamaica.

The damage associated with Hurricane Irma has resulted in a number of fatalities and caused damage to infrastructure, cutting communities off from water and electricity. Our immediate focus is on ensuring the safety of our employees. We are continuing to assess the impact on our business operations.

Scotiabank has been a part of the Caribbean for over 128 years and has an extensive footprint across the Caribbean region, including the affected territories of Antigua, Anguilla, the British Virgin islands, the US Virgin Islands, St Kitts & Nevis, St Maarten, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, The Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

To make a donation to the Hurricane Irma relief fund, please make contributions to chequing A/C # 803653 at the Scotiabank Centre Branch. Donations can be made online or at any Scotiabank branch.