[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/childhealthchair.jpg” caption=”Scotiabank’s $2-million pledge for the Chair in Child Health Research will go toward research in child and adoloescent health. Photo courtesy of FHS.”]Scotiabank and its employees have pledged to endow the inaugural Chair in Child Health Research at McMaster Children's Hospital. Scotiabank has committed $500,000 over five years. Its employees will fundraise the additional $1.5 million over five years to reach the $2 million goal.

“Scotiabank's most recent commitment is the first step in creating a Child Health Research Institute,” said Dr. Peter Steer, president of McMaster Children's Hospital. The Scotiabank Chair in Child Health Research, an endowed professorial appointment at McMaster University, will be held by the director of the new McMaster Child Health Research Institute.

“The institute will bring together scientific leaders who are at the forefront of child development research in Canada. It will provide them with the infrastructure and critical mass to advance research that will have a substantial impact on improving children's lives,” said Steer, who is also chair of McMaster University's Department of Pediatrics.

Many physicians at McMaster Children's Hospital and McMaster University are internationally renowned for their research in a wide range of areas including oncology, epilepsy, neuromuscular and neurometabolic disorders, neonatology, childhood disability and children's emotional, mental, social and cognitive development. The McMaster Child Health Research Institute will be instrumental in allowing McMaster Children's Hospital and McMaster University to advance and influence research in all areas of child and adolescent health.

“The doctors, nurses and staff at Mac Kids help our children when they need it the most,” said Steve Varey, district vice-president of Scotiabank. “Scotiabank's commitment will allow the Scotiabank Chair in Child Health to exist in perpetuity, facilitating the research required to help children in need meet the challenges of growing up.”

Scotiabank and its employees are long-time supporters of McMaster Children's Hospital and have contributed more than $4.1 million since 1993. The bank has also been a strong supporter of McMaster University, offering $1.7 million in student scholarships and bursaries since 1999. Scotiabank's commitment will allow the Scotiabank Chair in Child Health to exist in perpetuity, facilitating the research required to help children meet the challenges of growing up.