Scotiabank Guyana yesterday donated $415,000 to Help and Shelter to support their work on behalf of women.

In a press release the bank said it made the donation to the Shelter as a part of its regional initiative to celebrate and support International Women’s Day. Country Manager Ian Cooper said the funds are intended to advance the organisation’s work to stop violence against women in the society and to contribute to their empowerment.

Cooper said the bank is proud to support the work the shelter is doing as “Wherever there is a Scotiabank presence around the world, there is a strong culture of community involvement.”

The release said the Scotiabank Group made donations across the Caribbean, Central and Latin America intended to empower local women’s organisations working in fields such as healthcare, education and social services. “We are proud to honour International Women’s Day with our commitment to women’s charities in the communities and countries we call home” Sylvia Chrominska, Scotia-bank’s Executive Vice-President, Human Resources and Public, Corporate and Government Affairs said. Chrominska said more than 70% of the bank’s employees are women and as such it takes keen interest in the advancement of women globally across the Scotiabank Group.

Scotiabank said its dedication to promoting and empowering women earned the Group the 2007 Catalyst Award. The Award, to be presented in New York City on Wednesday, recognises the bank for its corporate initiatives that support the recruitment, development and advancement of women.

It said it is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates both in Canada and abroad. Scotiabank said it is recognised among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities and as a leader internationally. Last year the bank provided more than $42 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives.