CWB Group announces endowment fund at YMCA of Northern Alberta in honour of recently retired CEO, Larry Pollock

EDMONTON, July 3, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian Western Bank Group (CWB Group) and the YMCA of Northern Alberta (formerly YMCA of Edmonton) are pleased to announce the establishment of the Larry Pollock Youth Recreation Endowment Fund, to provide financial support to youth that otherwise might not be able to participate in the YMCA's local programming.

The endowment fund, and an initial $200,000 investment, were announced in June, as friends, family, and past and present employees and clients of CWB Group joined together to celebrate Larry Pollock's tremendous career as President and CEO. Together, approximately 285 attendees donated just over $80,000, a number that was matched by CWB Group. Larry contributed an additional $40,000 on behalf of his family to round out the total investment.

"We are just thrilled and honoured to have been selected to receive this support, and are so very appreciative of everyone's kindness and generosity," said Nick Parkinson, President & CEO, YMCA of Northern Alberta. "Larry's desire to establish the fund is a great demonstration of his many attributes we all greatly admire and respect, and underscores what has made him such an incredible leader and builder in our community."

"In celebrating Larry's 23 years of leadership as president and CEO of CWB Group, it simply felt natural to create a legacy involving a cause that has been close to his heart for so many years," said Tracey Ball, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CWB Group. "This YMCA endowment fund is a meaningful and lasting way to honour Larry's highly successful career and his extensive contributions to Edmonton and Northern Alberta. The community support in helping us to establish this fund was very exciting and we are thankful to all involved."

After officially retiring as CEO in March 2013, Larry will serve as an advisor to CWB Group's Board of Directors for the next two years.

About Canadian Western Bank Group
Canadian Western Bank offers a full range of business and personal banking services across the four western provinces and is the largest publicly traded Canadian bank headquartered in Western Canada. The Bank, along with its operating affiliates, National Leasing, Canadian Western Trust, Canadian Direct Insurance, Valiant Trust, Adroit Investment Management, McLean & Partners Wealth Management, and Canadian Western Financial, collectively offer a diversified range of financial services across Canada and are together known as the Canadian Western Bank Group. The common shares of Canadian Western Bank are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "CWB". The Bank's Series 3 Preferred Shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "CWB.PR.A". Refer to www.cwb.com for additional information.

About The YMCA of Northern Alberta
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charitable, mission based organization recognized for its vital role in strengthening the foundations of community and dedicated to the development of thousands of people in spirit, mind and body.  The organization delivers services that include health, fitness and recreation; child care; housing; day camping; leadership development; immigrant support and social programming across northern Alberta including Grande Prairie and providing administrative support for the YMCA of Wood Buffalo.  As one of the largest charities in Alberta there are more than 1,100 employees and 600 volunteers whose efforts are grounded in the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, diversity and social inclusion. Our YMCA is dynamic, growing and forward thinking.

SOURCE: Canadian Western Bank

Angela Saveraux
Community Investment Manager
Canadian Western Bank
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]

Janet Tryhuba
General Manager, Relationship Development & Engagement
YMCA of Northern Alberta
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]