And the recipients are... - National Bank awards a total of $1 million to 104 youth organizations to make a difference in the lives of 50,000 young people

MONTREAL, Oct. 27, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - National Bank's regional One for Youth committees are proud to announce the organizations selected in the first edition of their funding program. After deliberating for hours and analyzing over 1,600 applications received across Canada, the committees selected 104 organizations, which will share $1 million to implement inspiring youth initiatives. The regional committees were impressed with the diversity, relevance and creativity of the projects they received, even awarding several of the organizations the maximum funding of $25,000.

The committees selected a wide variety of projects: stay-in-school programs, food banks, healthy lifestyle initiatives, literature and music programs, community gardens, entrepreneurship programs and help for students with learning disabilities. All of these initiatives share the common goal of supporting young people and investing in their future.

"With our Canada-wide network of nearly 600 bank branches and Wealth Management offices, National Bank plays a vital role in regional social and economic development. Today's announcement by our regional One for Youth committees further strengthens our commitment to this development. The 104 youth organizations selected will make a huge difference in their communities and we wish them the utmost success in their upcoming initiatives," explained Karen Leggett, Executive Vice-President - Marketing at National Bank.

National Bank invites people across the country to visit www.nbc.ca/recipients over the next few weeks to see how the selected organizations, and especially the committees' top picks, implement their projects.

National Bank also encourages not-for-profit organizations (NPOs) to stay tuned in 2014, as it intends to roll out the red carpet for young people again next year, given the success of this year's program.

"Today, we are celebrating the selected initiatives and their representatives. We are extremely pleased to be able to help some 50,000 young people benefit from the selected projects. These initiatives will help thousands of young people build confidence, pride and self-esteem," concluded the spokesperson.

ABOUT THE ONE FOR YOUTH PROGRAM
Each year, National Bank supports hundreds of Canadian organizations through its donations and sponsorships program. At the heart of this program is our involvement with youth, where a large proportion of our contributions are concentrated. At National Bank, we know that young people represent our dreams and hopes for the future. We believe it is up to all of us to help the next generation develop to its fullest potential. Whether it's supporting medical research and access to care, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, or getting young people involved in their community, National Bank and its nearly 20,000 employees are proud to help today's youth grow and thrive.

We encourage you to join us in supporting young people so that they can build a better world!

ABOUT NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
With $187 billion in assets as at July 31, 2013, National Bank of Canada (www.nbc.ca) together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups, and has been named among the 20 strongest banks in the world by Bloomberg Markets magazine. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities via social media and learn more about its extensive community involvement at clearfacts.ca and commitment.nationalbank.ca.

SOURCE: National Bank of Canada

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National Bank
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