National Bank holds several initiatives to mark Hooked on School Days 2015

National Bank donates more than $1.6 million per year to encourage students to stay in school

MONTREAL, Feb. 23, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Youth causes are a key priority for National Bank, as evidenced by the $12 million it has donated over the past five years to organizations that help young people. The Bank was therefore proud to mark Hooked on School Days 2015, from February 16 to 20, with a series of initiatives in support of organizations that work to create winning conditions for academic success.

Perseverance Challenge
National Bank kicked off the week of events by inviting the general public, especially adults and parents, to take a quiz based on what elementary and high school students learn. More than 17,000 took the Perseverance Challenge, which is still online at perseverancechallenge.ca. The goal of this fun quiz was to drive home the importance of supporting the up-and-coming generation in their studies and encouraging them to stay in school. It also underscored the important contribution of volunteer organizations that dedicate financial and human resources to providing academic support to students and families in Quebec.

National Bank renews two partnerships with two organizations
National Bank took the opportunity during Hooked on School Days 2015 to announce the renewal of a $150,000 donation over three years to Allô prof. This contribution will help the organization develop its technological tools. Allô prof offers a free homework assistance service online and over the phone. Since the organization's inception, it has helped thousands of students.

A few Bank employees also volunteered their time as after-school "teachers" at the organization's Montreal facility and answered questions from students. Other Bank representatives helped during a tutoring session with high school students organized by Pathways to Education.

In Quebec City, Andrée Laberge, Regional Vice-President for Western Quebec, announced National Bank's financial commitment of $150,000 over three years to Junior Achievement of Quebec. This will enable the organization to continue inspiring and preparing young people to succeed by offering introductory business and financial literacy programs in schools.

National Bank makes annual donations to several educational organizations
In addition to Junior Achievement of Quebec and Allô prof, the Bank makes financial support available to a number of organizations, including Académie du Trésor, Youth Fusion, Pathways to Education, the Mobilys Foundation, the Quebec Foundation for Athetic Excellence and the Breakfast Club of Canada. The Bank also recently announced the winning projects for the 2nd edition of its One for Youth regional committees program. Through this program, 165 organizations will receive a financial contribution from National Bank to help them implement initiatives in 2015 that are aimed at helping young people grow, learn and live out their dreams.

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 $205 billion in assets as at October 31, 2014, National Bank of Canada (www.nbc.ca), 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 via social media and learn more about its extensive community involvement at clearfacts.ca and commitment.nationalbank.ca.

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, Tel.: [phone]