And you, what would you do with $25 000? National Bank rolls out the red carpet and invest $1M to support the youth

QUEBEC CITY, May 1, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - What would you do with $25 000?  Here is the challenge that was launched today by National Bank to thousands of non-profit organizations (NPO) from all over Quebec and Canada who want to achieve youth projects. From May 1^st to June 14^th 2013, NPO are invited to submit inspiring youth initiatives that gravitate over three pillars of the programme One for Youth, such as health, wellbeing, and education and involvement, in order to receive a financial support of up to $25 000. In 2013, $1 million will be donated to the youth. National Bank will focus on 12 One for Youth committees responsible for discovering and supporting the talent, the audacity and the vision and determination from here.

"We are proud to be able to contribute, via targeted initiatives, to the development of the youth, which in return is what shapes the future and gives it colour, every day, by its enthusiasm, audacity and passion. Thanks to the One for Youth committees, National Bank reinforces and strengthens even more its bonds all over the community in order to support young people from birth to University" says Karen Leggett, Executive Vice-President - Marketing at National Bank.

Made up of local executives from National Bank, key members of the community and one young person under 25, the One for Youth committees will be particularly active over the course of the next few weeks in order to gather inspiring applications. From Outaouais, Abitibi-Temiscamingue, Montérégie, Montréal, Laurentides, Lanaudière, Estrie, Capitale-Nationale, Chaudière-Appalaches, Côte-Nord, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, by passing through Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver and Moncton, these committees will have the mandate of choosing local and regional youth initiatives that could benefit from a financial support and this, in virtue of the orientations and selection criteria, and admissibility of the programme One for Youth.

"To all the NPO that work with youth as well as with primary and elementary schools: are you full ideas and dreams? A project for young people of your community? A youth initiative that can make a difference for your community? We want to get to know you and give life to your biggest aspirations" said France Croteau, Vice-President - Sales and Service for Québec City and Eastern Quebec and member of One for Youth committee.

"National Bank believes in you. National Bank is behind you. We take great pride in the idea that our financial support can serve as a springboard and allow you to launch your projects on solid grounds" says Diane Déry, Vice-President - Sales and Service, Commercial Banking for Québec City and Eastern Quebec at National Bank and member of One for Youth committee.

Non-profit organizations and primary or high schools must submit their youth initiatives to the One for Youth committees by completing the online form available here at www.jeunesse.banquenationale.ca/comites.

ABOUT THE ONE FOR YOUTH PROGRAMME
Every year, National Bank supports hundreds of Canadian organisations through its donations and sponsorships program. At the heart of this commitment is our focus on youth, where significant contributions are made. At National Bank, we know young people represent our hopes and dreams for the future. That's why we believe it's up to each and every one of us to help the next generation develop to their fullest potential. Whether it's supporting medical research, access to care, promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles, or getting kids involved in the community, National Bank and its 20,000 employees are proud to help today's youth grow and thrive.

Join us as we encourage young people to be their best so we can build a better world together.

ABOUT NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
With $184 billion in assets as of January 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 five strongest banks in the world by Bloomberg Markets. 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

Sylvie Patry
NATIONAL Public Relations
Tel : [phone] (232)
Email : [email protected]