Scotiabank Donates $25,000 to Whitby Library Campaign

Cheque presentation April 6th, 2005 at 10:30 a.m.
At Scotiabank Branch, 309 Dundas St. W, Whitby
Tour of the new Library building to follow

Scotiabank has committed $25,000 to the new Whitby Central Library fundraising campaign. In recognition of this generous gift, a prominent component of the Library’s children’s section will be named Scotiabank Children’s Program Room.

The gift originated with the Scotiabank branch located across the street from the Library. Branch Manager Glen Uens took up the cause early on and helped steer the donation request through the upper echelons of Scotiabank. “Besides being an integral part of any community, this new Library and Civic Square will be a major boost to the revitalization of Whitby’s downtown. Scotiabank has corporately supported education and youth initiatives, so this connection works for us on many different levels”said Mr Uens.

Whitby Mayor Marcel Brunelle agrees. “This Scotiabank donation shows that our business community is willing to step up to the plate and help out when it’s needed. It’s these kind of partners that make Whitby great” expressed Mayor Brunelle.

The Scotiabank Children’s Program Room, a bright, glassed walled space on the Library main floor with access to outside Children’s Garden, will be used for much of the Library’s interactive programming. These programs are designed for specific age groups, and are delivered by trained Library staff with the desire to instill wonder, curiosity and the joy of reading.

The Library Donor Sponsorship Program was launched to fulfill federal and provincial funding obligations, and to enhance the collections, programs, materials and value added services in the new Library. Businesses, clubs and individuals are invited to participate in the drive. Significant gifts are recognized through Naming Opportunities in selected areas of the Library.

Whitby Mayor, Council and Library Board members are invited to participate in the presentation and Library tour. Phase 1 of the Library’s $19.5 million expansion should be complete in early April. After the collections are moved over from the old Library, the building will be demolished making way for Whitby’s Civic Square.

For further information, please contact: Doug Blakely, (905) 430-4320 ext. 7104