National Bank 2013 Bicycle Tour Takes to the Roads for Young People and Raises $100,000 for Five Organizations

MONTREAL, July 16, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The third edition of the National Bank Bicycle Tour, which took place in Quebec's Laurentians and Lanaudière regions from July 12 to 14, was a resounding success. Some 185 National Bank employees, with the assistance of numerous volunteers, took part in this sporting and philanthropic event, which raised $100,000 for Fondation Tel-jeunes, the Marie-Vincent Foundation, the Communauté d'action jeunesse de la MRC Joliette (CAJOL), the Commission scolaire Seigneurie-des-Mille-Îles's Persévérons ensemble organization and École Simon-Vanier in Laval.

"This remarkable initiative has grown each year since the first edition, thanks to the impressive teamwork of employees from all sectors of National Bank across Quebec. Over the past three days, some 62 teams proudly cycled across the beautiful Laurentians and Lanaudière regions with one goal in mind: Riding for young people," explained Alain Brunet, Senior Vice-President - Insurance and President, National Bank Insurance. "In addition to enjoying some healthy exercise, participants were front-line ambassadors for the One for Youth program, which contributes to the wellbeing of young people, as do the organizations that the Tour supports."

Honorary event Chair Alain Brunet, Tel-jeunes Spokesperson Marina Orsini and Marie-Vincent Foundation General Manager Danielle Gabrielle Roy officially launched the Tour, as cyclists started out from the National Bank branch in Boisbriand. During the course of their 300-kilometre ride, participants made stops at a number of National Bank's branches in the Laurentians and Lanaudière. They also took advantage of their visit to Joliette to announce the amount to be donated to the CAJOL. The Tour also featured two official evening events organized by National Bank Financial and National Bank Insurance, where cyclists were treated to an inspiring talk by one of their own, none other than Canadian Olympic road cyclist Joëlle Numinville.

Each year, National Bank supports hundreds of Canadian organizations through donations and sponsorships. It is particularly committed to young people through its One for Youth program, ensuring they are healthy and have the tools they need to become engaged citizens committed to building a better world. To learn more about the initiatives supported by the Bank and its employees, visit youth.nationalbank.ca.

About National Bank of Canada
With $185 billion in assets as at April 30, 2013, National Bank of Canada (www.nbc.ca), together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups, and was named among the 20 strongest banks in the world by Bloomberg Markets. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities via social media and learn more about its extensive community involvement at clearfacts.ca and commitment.nationalbank.ca.

Image with caption: "(From left to right): Marvin, Marie-Vincent Foundation mascot; Danielle Gabrielle Roy, Marie-Vincent Foundation General Manager; Alain Brunet, Honorary event Chair and Senior Vice-President - Insurance and President, National Bank Insurance; Marina Orsini, Tel-jeunes Spokesperson; and Céline Muloin, Fondation Tel-jeunes Chief Executive Officer. (CNW Group/National Bank of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130716_C7836_PHOTO_EN_29044.jpg

SOURCE: National Bank of Canada

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