BMO Capital Markets Donates $1.5 Million to North American Charities

    
    BMO's Equity Through Education trading day raises $1.5 million for nine
    organizations that promote education and diversity
    

TORONTO and NEW YORK, Sept. 25 /CNW/ - BMO Capital Markets will donate CAD$1.5 million (US$1.4 million) to nine charities across North America through the firm's annual Equity Through Education charitable program.

The $1.5 million was raised on September 23, 2009 through commissions earned on all institutional equity trades executed by BMO Capital Markets in Canada and the United States . The money will go to select charities that seek to improve access to education and training for people across all diversity groups.

"This is a fantastic result for an outstanding cause," said Mike Miller , Head of Equity Products, BMO Capital Markets and Campaign Chair of the special trading day. "These funds will play an integral part this year in helping talented individuals pursue life changing opportunities. In this spirit, we thank our clients for stepping up and making this program successful," added Miller.

"BMO's Equity Through Education program provides young people like me with the financial support we need to pursue a path to success," said Justin Lui , an ETE recipient and a 2009 member of Canada's Top 20 Under 20(TM). "Whether we wish to participate in an international project, further our post-secondary education or start an entrepreneurial venture, Top 20 and BMO help us reach our goals and give us a clear vision of how we can make responsible contributions to society," added Lui.

Since 2005, Equity Through Education has raised a total of CAD$8.1 million (US$7.4 million) dollars, assisting more than 2,000 individuals who have directly benefited through scholarships, bursaries and other educational programs.

To learn more about Equity Through Education visit http://www.bmocm.com/equitythrougheducation

The nine charities that BMO Capital Markets supports through Equity Through Education are:

    
    -   Youth in Motion's Top 20 Under 20 Program
    -   Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation (CMSF)
    -   The Financial Women's Association
    -   Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY)
    -   The Jackie Robinson Foundation
    -   National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation
    -   The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
    -   The Pathways to Education Program
    -   YAI Network
    

About BMO's Charitable Giving

Equity Through Education(R), is a charitable initiative launched by BMO Capital Markets in 2005 to help people realize their educational ambitions by giving them the means to pursue those goals.

For more than 190 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in reinvesting in the communities it serves. In 2008, BMO Financial Group contributed $55.9 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: Media Contacts: Kim Hanson, Toronto, [email protected], [phone]; Ronald Monet, Montréal, [email protected], [phone]; Laurie Grant, Vancouver, [email protected], [phone]; Holly Holt, New York, [email protected], [phone]; Internet: www.bmocm.com