National Bank and its Employees Contribute to Relief Efforts in Fort McMurray

Major donation of $100,000, fundraising drive in branches and proactive efforts to contact affected clients via email, cell or other methods

MONTREAL, May 5, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - National Bank is announcing a series of measures to assist the victims of the forest fires in Fort McMurray, with the goal of contributing proactively to relief efforts and providing solutions tailored to the specific needs of evacuated clients.

"National Bank has a long history in Alberta, and these major events are of direct concern to us," stated Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank. "That's why we will donate $100,000, half of which originates from employee contributions, to assist the victims. In addition to making an institutional donation and collecting funds in branches, we will contact our clients affected by this disaster to see what we can do to quickly address their financial concerns, as we have done in the past in similar situations."

National Bank will donate $100,000 to local organizations and/or the Canadian Red Cross to fund first aid efforts and the reintegration that will follow these events. The Bank will also be accepting donations from the public in all its branches across Canada from May 6 to June 6, 2016. Cheques and donations should be made out to "Canadian Red Cross – Alberta Fires Appeal."

The Red Cross will issue tax receipts for all donations of $20 and over. All funds collected through National Bank branches will be remitted to the Red Cross and used to provide immediate assistance to the victims.

Support measures for clients of National Bank

Since the evacuation began, National Bank teams have been working hard to identify local clients and inter-provincial workers, in all business segments, who have been directly affected by the disaster. These efforts are going well.

Over the next few hours, the Bank's main business units will implement a coordinated strategy to proactively contact the clients identified via email, cell phone or any other method at their disposal in order to reassure them and address their specific needs.

The measures offered include, among other things:

• Deferred payments on personal loans
• Deferred payments of principal and interest on personal mortgage loans
• Personalized, case-by-case agreements for affected business clients

Affected clients who cannot be reached are invited to contact their branch to discuss their case.

About National Bank of Canada
With $219 billion in assets as at January 31, 2016, National Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities at nbc.ca or via social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. 

SOURCE National Bank of Canada

(The telephone number provided below is for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives.): Jean-François Lauzon, Advisor - Public Affairs, National Bank of Canada, Tel.: [phone]