| BMO Financial Group Employees Give Over $1 Million to Greater Toronto Area Charities TORONTO, April 24, 2008 – The BMO Employee Charitable Foundation hosted a Celebration of Giving this evening, to distribute more than $1 million to 51 Greater Toronto Area charitable organizations. BMO Financial Group employees and representatives from the supported charitable groups gathered at First Canadian Place in Toronto tonight to celebrate the culmination of a year of employee-driven fundraising efforts by the Foundation. The 2007 national fundraising campaign raised more than $8 million across the country, of which more than $4.5 million was raised in Ontario. This amount is over and above the $42.6 million that BMO Financial Group contributed in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in Canada last year. The Foundation is able to disburse 100 per cent of the money raised to local charities across Canada, as BMO Financial Group covers all administrative costs. “Nothing provides a better perspective of BMO and what it stands for than this evening’s Celebration of Giving,” said Bill Downe, President and CEO, BMO Financial Group. “Nearly everyone in the company participates in the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation in one way or another, whether in the private gesture of pledging money to the fund, or more publicly in one of the many fundraisers our employees organize to raise money. This event is a great opportunity to recognize the many BMO employees who support the Foundation, and honour these charities’ efforts.” “Once again, BMO employees have come together to support the Foundation’s fundraising campaign,” said Heather Baird, Chair, Ontario Board of Directors, BMO Employee Charitable Foundation. “We’re thrilled with what we achieved last year, and we’re committed to having an even better 2008.” “Habitat for Humanity Toronto very much appreciates the donation from the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation,” said Angela Solomos, Director, Corporate Partnerships, Habitat for Humanity Toronto. “It is only through the support of our community that we can continue to build homes and hope for deserving Toronto families. BMO's leadership and generosity will go a long way to ensure that we can continue this important work.” “Covenant House is grateful for the generosity and care that BMO employees have shown our kids over the past 22 years,” said Pamela Quirk, Associate Director, Planned & Major Gifts, Covenant House Toronto. “It is only with continued support like theirs that we are able to open doors of opportunity and hope to thousands of homeless youth.” Listed below are the recipient organizations of this donation: AIDS Committee of Toronto 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 nearly $50 million for more than 3,000 charities across the country through the efforts and generosity of BMO Financial Group employees and customers. - 30 - Media Contact:Peter Scott, Toronto, PeterE.Scott@bmo.com, (416) 867-3996 |