BMO Donates Skate Canada Junior Nationals Tickets to Children's Aid Society

TORONTO , Jan. 12 /CNW/ - BMO Financial Group has donated 200 tickets to the Skate Canada Junior Nationals so that children and families who are assisted by the Children's Aid Society can enjoy this spectacular competition. The BMO Skate Canada Junior Nationals take place from today until Thursday at the Western Fair Sports Centre.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for some of our children and their families to enjoy high caliber figure skating right here in London ," says Pat Finch , Manager of Communications and Development at the Children's Aid Society. "We are extremely grateful to BMO Financial Group for making this generous donation to brighten the dreary days of January for so many in our community who would otherwise not experience this Canadian event."

"BMO is thrilled to be able to give this opportunity to see Canada's future skating stars to young fans," said David Blyth , District Vice-President, Ontario South-West, BMO Bank of Montreal . "We strongly believe that investing in the communities where we do business provides real social benefits. We are proud to work with the Children's Aid Society of London & Middlesex to help them bring important services to children in need."

The Children's Aid Society of London and Middlesex has over 900 children in care, and provided service to over 1600 families, representing nearly 3800 children, during the 2009 fiscal year.

BMO Financial Group is one of Canada's largest corporate benefactors, with contributions to charitable organizations totaling $47.7 million in Canada in 2008.

For further information: Andrew Holt, Coordinator of Communications, Children's Aid Society of London and Middlesex, [phone] extension 439; Peter E. Scott, Manager, Government and Public Relations, BMO Financial Group, [phone]