SCOTIABANK CHAMPIONS ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS WITH THE EDWARD GARTLAND YOUTH CENTRE   

#TurksandCaicos, June 1, 2024 – Scotiabank TCI  recently supported the Edward Gartland Youth Centre’s (EGYC) Earth Day Sculpture initiative to amplify awareness of the reduction of plastic waste and its impact on the environment.

The financial institution donated $5000 US to support the charity’s environmentally-friendly initiative, which engaged youth from various schools in Provo to create sculptures that depict the Earth Day 2024 theme, ‘Planet vs Plastic’.

“We are honoured to have partnered with the Edward Gartland Centre for this inspiring endeavour,” said Dr. Suzan Snaggs-Wilson, Managing Director and Country Head, Scotiabank Turks and Caicos. “Scotiabank is a firm proponent of environmental preservation, and we recognize the critical role of education, engagement and advocacy for addressing environmental issues.”

Using artificial and natural materials, the students developed a flamingo from dried leaves and a turtle from plastics collected over a series of weeks. The collaborative structure saw students in the environmental clubs of five local schools partnering to create the final structures.

“I am happy to have seen the beautiful designs the students came up with and was pleased to be part of the conversation to encourage environmental preservation through the reduction of plastic waste. Our support for initiatives such as this will hopefully ignite a passion for sustainability and encourage responsibility regarding caring for the environment for the next generation,” said Dr. Snaggs-Wilson.

Roxann Wake-Forbes, Executive Director of the EGYC, expressed gratitude for the support received from Scotiabank over the years, noting that the collaborative efforts led to the project’s success. “We are tremendously grateful for the support of our Earth Day initiative. Today’s contribution is for the future, and we hope to continue to encourage the preservation of our environment through creative and engaging initiatives like this with the support of our corporate partners. Together, we can protect the planet for the next generation,” she said.

The sculptures have been on display at the Scotiabank main branch and several other locations within Provo since Earth Day on April 22.