News Releases

BMO Bank of Montreal has partnered with the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Barrie to kick-start a new campaign to raise funds for the proposed Simcoe-Muskoka Cancer Centre through the sale of inspirational blue wristbands. The wristbands, emblazoned with the phrase ‘I Believe’, are intended to represent the community’s hope and belief that the much needed local health care unit will soon be launched.

"Based on the interest in this campaign so far, we expect that the sale of these wristbands will raise up to $50,000 towards helping make our goal a reality. We are extremely proud that our BMO employees have been instrumental in launching this innovative fundraising tool to help promote the development of a top cancer treatment centre in Barrie," said Rob Crema, Area Manager Simcoe Area, BMO Bank of Montreal.

"BMO Bank of Montreal is a good friend of Royal Victoria Hospital, both corporately and at the grassroots level in the branches," says David Blenkarn, chair of the RVH Foundation. "The ‘I Believe’ wristbands echo the sentiments of this community. People believe there’s a critical need for a cancer centre; they believe care should be close to home; and we all believe we can make a difference."

The campaign kick-off was held at the BMO Bank of Montreal Branch at Allandale Marketplace at 279 Yonge Street in Barrie. Among those in attendance to mark the event were Rob Hamilton, Mayor of City of Barrie; Chris Gariepy, RVH Board of Directors, Chairman and David Blenkarn, RVH Foundation Board of Directors, Chairman and Chairman of RVH Campaign to name a few.

The development of the Simcoe-Muskoka Regional Cancer care facility at RVH has been planned for many years to relieve pressure on similar centres in Toronto and Sudbury, and the hospital and community are now working very hard to make this a reality.

The ‘I Believe’ wristbands will be available at all Simcoe region BMO Bank of Montreal branches including those in Barrie, Orillia, Midland, Alliston, Bradford, Sutton, Bracebridge, and Huntsville. The Royal Victoria Hospital will also be selling the wristbands on site as well as many other local businesses in the area.

The coloured wristband concept was first popularized by six-time Tour du France winner Lance Armstrong in his effort to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer. The Armstrong-led ‘Live Strong’ yellow wristband campaign has become a world wide success and has so far generated more than $24 million in donations for cancer research.

BMO employees have a long tradition of being active fundraisers for the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie. Each year, BMO chairs the Chrystal Classic Gala Dinner and Golf Tournament on behalf of the RVH and over the past ten years the funds collected from this event have risen from less than $20,000 a year to a record high of $230,000 in 2004.

There are 12 BMO Bank of Montreal branches in the Simcoe Muskoka district and BMO is currently constructing a new data centre in Barrie.

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