Media Advisory/ Photo Opportunity
BMO Celebrates Grand Opening of Branch in Church and Wellesley Village
New branch represents an investment of $1.2 million

  • First BMO branch in Ontario that is open seven days a week
  • Branch is powered by emission-free electricity from Bullfrog Power
  • Donation to Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal Foundation
  • Performance by Sonfonda, BBQ and prizes

TORONTO, July 18, 2008 – The first BMO Bank of Montreal branch in Ontario that is open seven days a week will celebrate its grand opening in the Church and Wellesley Village on Sunday, July 20.

“Our employees represent the vibrant community of the Church and Wellesley area as we at BMO draw our strength from the diversity of our people and our businesses,” said Moira Klein-Swormink, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We are pleased to offer the community an experienced team of experts – including financial services managers, personal and commercial professionals, a financial planner and a BMO Nesbitt Burns investment advisor.”

WHEN: Sunday, July 20, 2008 from noon - 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: BMO Bank of Montreal, 492 Church Street (at corner of Alexander Street)
WHAT:

BBQ: noon - 4:00 p.m.
Speeches and ribbon cutting: 1:00 p.m.
Performance by Sofonda: 2:30 p.m.
WHO: Kyle Rae, City Councillor, Toronto
Phillip Wong, Executive Director, LGCA Foundation
Nada Ristich, Corporate Donations, BMO Financial Group
Alex Dousmanis-Curtis, Senior Vice-President, GTA, BMO Bank of Montreal
Lily Capriotti, District Vice-President, GTA Central, BMO Bank of Montreal
Moira Klein-Swormink, Branch Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal

“BMO is embedded in the community supporting a large variety of groups that enhance the lives of those in this neighbourhood,” said Nada Ristich, Senior Manager, Corporate Donations, BMO Financial Group. “We have a long-standing commitment of supporting groups that enhance the health and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS, working with groups such as Fife House. BMO is also committed to building a supportive environment, working with outstanding groups such as 519 Church Street Community Centre.”

BMO, with the volunteer support of employees, has been a long-standing supporter and sponsor of:

  • 519 Church Street Community Centre - $175,000 Capital Campaign Gift
  • Pride and Remembrance Association - Title Sponsor of the Pride Run
  • Buddies in Bad Times Theatre - Lead Corporate Sponsor
  • Fife House - 2008 “Spotlight” event title sponsor
  • Casey House – 20th Anniversary Gala sponsor
  • Aids Committee of Toronto and Fashion Cares

To mark the grand opening celebration, the BMO Employee Charitable Foundation will make a $4,200 donation to the Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal (LGCA) Foundation, which provides funding for education, health, human rights, arts and culture.

“We extend our thanks and appreciation to the LGCA Foundation for the much-needed programs and projects it supports,” said Alex Dousmanis-Curtis, SVP, Greater Toronto Area Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We are excited to provide all our customers with unique offerings such as AIR MILES – we’re the only bank that offers AIR MILES reward miles through debit, credit and online purchases.”

- 30 -

For news media inquiries, please contact: (416) 867-3996