Better uses for bank’s funds

Re Final boarding call for the Air Canada Centre, Keenan, Aug. 30 As a frequent visitor to Toronto, I valued Scotiabank’s former sponsorship of Nuit Blanche much more than I will value its name on an arena.

Scotiabank should be thanked for its support of the Giller Prize, but there are many more non-profit cultural events and activities that could benefit greatly from a small part of $800 million.

As an example, Sears Canada recently announced it is withdrawing funding from the 71-year-old Sears Drama Festival for high school students.

There are many other worthwhile sponsorship opportunities for non-profit cultural events and activities, which would bring the bank a great deal of name recognition and good will. Bruce Couchman, Ottawa There is no justification for Edward Keenan’s casual dismissal of the importance of Scotiabank buying the naming rights for the Air Canada Centre.

He should know that Scotiabank “invests in partner organizations that encourage young people to incorporate healthy activities into their lifestyle and that can teach social and leadership skills through sport and physical activity.”

“When it comes to sponsoring sports programs, we focus on team-oriented sports that are national pastimes in Scotiabank markets.”

Is this not in keeping with the idea that hockey and other team sports are a way of teaching positive values to young people?

As a former employee of Scotiabank, I am well-acquainted with the Canadian propensity for bank bashing. But it saddens me to see the Toronto Star condone it. Moses Shuldiner, Toronto