A group effort put forth at the local branch of Scotiabank has resulted in non-profit charitable organizations receiving much-needed funds.

Jody Priest, a customer relations representative for Scotiabank, explained that around three months ago staff began generating ideas for ways that they could help the community. Upon taking a vote, it was decided that the bank would collect used books, place them in the lobby where members of the community could choose the ones they wanted and then make a donation that goes toward a specific charity. After a two-month period, donations are tallied, and Scotiabank then matches the funds and donates the proceeds to a charity staff selected.

“We thought we would try it and it worked out excellent,” said Priest. “Whatever we make on the books, the bank matches up to $5,000 per charity. We really want to try to keep this ongoing.”

When the initiative started at the beginning of March, the bank chose the Animal Shelter for Huntsville as the lucky recipient of the funding. And so far, it has proven to be a great success. On Monday, Scotiabank presented representatives from the animal shelter with a cheque for $1,315.42.

“We (staff) are not asked to do this,” said Priest, adding that the bank manager makes it possible. “We said, ‘What’s important to all of us?’ and by doing this initiative, we’re going to have a whole bunch of people get their wishes.”

Priest indicated that the community is invited to donate books to the cause, which would be greatly appreciated in order to make the initiative a continued success.

“We’ll take paper backs or hard covers,” she stated, adding that inappropriate reading material can’t be accepted. “Children’s books, adult books. . . . We’ll take them all. We’re showing we want to be involved in the community, but we need a little help.”

In the past, Scotiabank has supported Chrysalis, the Terry Fox Run and hosted a bake sale to raise money for the Salvation Army, which the bank matched. On May 10, staff will be scrubbing vehicles for an hour for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation’s cancer carwash fundraiser.

“Whatever we make in that hour, Scotiabank will match,” said Priest. “We do a lot of fundraising now; we don’t think about it anymore. It’s so enjoyable.”