| BMO
Financial Group Named Philanthropic Corporation of the Year
TORONTO,
November 15, 2007 – In a luncheon ceremony held today
at the Metropolitan Toronto Convention Centre, BMO Financial Group was
named 2007 Outstanding Corporation by the Toronto Chapter of the Association
of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for its longstanding support of the
Association and its commitment to creating a culture of philanthropy
by education and by example. BMO was nominated by St. Michael’s
Hospital Foundation.
The Philanthropy Awards recognize individuals, corporations, foundations,
and groups who contribute their time and financial support to make local,
national and international communities stronger.
Dave Fleck, Executive Managing
Director, Co-Head of Equity Products, BMO Capital Markets, and a member
of BMO’s Corporate Donations
Committee, accepted the award on behalf of the bank. “One of our
core values is that we care about our customers, shareholders, communities
and each other,” stated Mr. Fleck. “Being responsible to
our communities and society is who we are. I am immensely proud of our
organization and our employees who practice these values every day and
I am equally humbled that our leadership and commitment has been recognized
today through this award.”
In naming BMO, the AFP noted that BMO Financial Group provides a model
of corporate philanthropy, supports important health care initiatives
and helps the fundraising industry flourish for the ultimate benefit
of those who need help the most:
- BMO Financial Group has
taken a lead in inner city health research as a long-time partner
with the Centre for Research on Inner City Health
at St. Michael’s Hospital.
- BMO Financial Group sponsored the International Conference
on Inner City Health
- The conference provided a global platform for debate on important
social, economic and health issues.
- It brought together more than 300 internationally-renowned researchers
from around the globe, community members and policymakers interested
in improving the health of disadvantaged urban populations.
- BMO Financial Group was the first financial institution
with a $2-million donation to fund the BMO Vulnerable Populations Unit.
- This centre
within the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute at St. Michael’s
will conduct research to lead to health solutions to help those who
need it most including people living on the streets, mothers at
risk and new
immigrants who are trying to build a new life.
- The research done in Toronto will be used to benefit people in need
in urban centres around the globe.
- BMO also supports education, the arts and community development.
- Organizations
such as the United Way and Centraide, for example, continue to
benefit
from BMO’s ongoing support.
- BMO is a founder of the largest prize in theatre, the Lou and Elinore
Siminovitch Prize.
- In 2006, BMO
received the Globe & Mail Business for the Arts
award for Most Effective Corporate Program.
- This year, BMO held the fifth annual BMO 1st Art! Student Competition,
which recognizes graduating visual arts students from every province.
- BMO Harris Private Banking is also a long-time sponsor of
the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
- In the last 10 years, it has sponsored Fundraising Days, Philanthropy
Awards Luncheons and annual sessions of Congress, encouraging the industry
to grow.
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Media Inquiries,
please contact:
Ralph Marranca,
Toronto, ralph.marranca@bmo.com,
(416) 867-3996 |