BMO and Its Employees Raise More Than $11.4 Million for United Way and Other
Canadian Charities in 2009

TORONTO , Jan. 27 /CNW/ - BMO and the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation raised more than $11.4 million in 2009 for their United Way campaigns and other Canadian charities.

Along with corporate gifts of over $3.9 million , BMO employees and retirees donated over $7.5 million in 2009.

"Thanks to their efforts, our employees and retirees have helped make the work of thousands of charities across Canada possible. There is a great sense of pride at BMO about what's been accomplished," said Bill Downe, President and CEO of BMO Financial Group and Chair of the 2009 Campaign Cabinet for United Way of Greater Toronto . "We are proud to be associated with United Way and so many other charitable organizations. Coming together for the benefit of others -- and touching the lives of so many as a consequence - brings real meaning to our campaign efforts."

For more than 192 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. In 2009, BMO contributed $55 million in donations, sponsorships and events in Canada and the United States to groups, organizations and programs that help build and sustain resilient, vital and healthy communities.

For further information: For news media inquiries, please contact: Peter Scott, Toronto, [email protected], [phone]; Ronald Monet, Montréal, [email protected], [phone]