Scotiabank reaches out in time of covid19

SCOTIABANK, through its Scotiabank TT Foundation, continues to reach out to and collaborate with several charities and community groups, helping them continue their work in providing food and essential supplies to families and communities in need as well as in the facilitation of counselling services for victims of domestic violence.

The bank, in a release on Thursday, said the covid19 pandemic continues to put a strain on individuals and families across the country and would require support.

"We have long believed we are an important part of the economic and social fabric of communities in which we operate. At times such as this, when so many households and businesses are struggling, we want to do more to support those in need in tangible ways, in particular our customers and communities,” said Stephen Bagnarol, senior vice president and managing director, Scotiabank TT.

“Since the onset of the pandemic locally, through our Customer Assistance Programme, we have provided financial relief to over 50,000 customers, including assistance with mortgages, loans, lines of credit, auto loans and credit cards.

"Additionally, for the past month, frontline healthcare employees at the South West Regional Health Authority have received meals courtesy Scotiabank as they help the country fight this pandemic. We are really pleased to be able to help these charities and community groups help those in need,” he added.

Roxane De Freitas, chair of the foundation, said "There has been a significant increase in persons seeking assistance for food relief as well as counselling services. The charities and community groups supported continue to be leaders in their communities during this pandemic, focusing their efforts on these specific causes at this time. Four thousand people, of whom 3,000 are youths, will benefit from these donations.”

Charities and community groups that have received donations include: the Coalition against Domestic Violence; the Foundation for the Enhancement & Enrichment of Life (FEEL); Gift For Life Foundation; Halimah's Helping Hands; Kids In Need of Direction (KIND); Key of David International; Living Water Community; the Shelter for Battered Women and Children; and the Toco Multicultural Foundation for Integrated Development.

“Scotiabank’s commitment of being a kind bank has come through in many ways over the years, but now has come through for us at KIND as we continue to serve our citizens during this pandemic,” said Karina Jardine Scott, KIND founder and chair.

“The Toco Foundation thanks Scotiabank for its support of families and persons experiencing extreme hardship due to covid19 in the northeast coast of Trinidad (Matura to Matelot) region,” said Andy Noel, executive director of the Toco Foundation.