BMO Financial Group Employees raised $284,000 for Charities in Atlantic
Canada

Giving events to take place in communities across Atlantic Canada to celebrate 10th anniversary of the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation

HALIFAX, April 22 /CNW/ - BMO Employee Charitable Foundation is hosting a Celebration of Giving this week, during which donations will be made to more than 100 charitable organizations.

BMO Financial Group employees and representatives from various supported charitable groups will celebrate the culmination of a year of employee-driven fundraising efforts by the Foundation. Forty six BMO branches throughout the four Atlantic Provinces will participate.

    
    -  The BMO Employee Charitable Foundation will donate $36,000 to more
       than 100 charities.
    -  More than $8.7 million was raised for charities Canada-wide.
    -  This is over and above the $47.2 million that BMO Financial Group
       contributed in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in Canada
       last year.
    

One hundred per cent of donations provided through the Foundation are disbursed to charities across Canada, as BMO Financial Group covers all administrative costs.

"The Celebration of Giving events recognize the tremendous work of these charities and the unwavering support of BMO employees," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice-President, Atlantic Division, BMO Bank of Montreal.

"We continue to invest in the well being of the neighborhoods, towns and regions we serve, because we are a part of them," added Murphy. "Our commitment to helping meet the needs of the many organizations and groups that make our communities strong is driven by the people who work here. It's something we approach the same way we do every other part of our business: with a full-time commitment."

"We are thrilled that BMO employees have once again joined together to support the Foundation's fundraising campaign," said Heather Gautreau, Director, Atlantic Region, BMO Employee Charitable Foundation. "Last year's results have been a tremendous achievement, and we are looking forward to increasing our charitable support in our upcoming 2010/2011 campaign."

For thousands of people, this week is a fine example of how together, we can put our shared aspirations to work to strengthen our communities.

About The BMO Employee Charitable Foundation

BMO Employee Charitable Foundation improves the lives of those in need by supporting thousands of registered charities in Canada through the generous support of the employees, pensioned employees, customers and friends of BMO Financial Group. Since 1999, the Foundation has raised over $75 million for thousands of charities across the country through the efforts and generosity of BMO Financial Group employees and customers.

For further information: Media Contact: Sarah Bensadoun, Montreal, [email protected], [phone], Internet: www.bmo.com