News Releases
David Banks, Chair of The National Ballet of Canada today announced that BMO Financial Group has become the lead corporate donor for The National Ballet of Canada's Next Stage Campaign with a donation of $350,000. The campaign was launched in September 2004 to facilitate the company's move to its new performance venue, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, in 2006. BMO Financial Group's commitment brings the total raised to $2,350,000.00 towards the $3.5 million dollar goal.
"We at BMO Financial Group are proud of our long association with The National Ballet of Canada. Our support of one of Canada's most cherished and celebrated cultural institutions will help the National Ballet make an important transition to its Next Stage. Recognizing the wealth of talent in Canada, BMO Financial Group is pleased to invest in the growth of the National Ballet as it expands by nurturing and developing new dancers," said Nada Ristich, Senior Manager, Corporate Donations, BMO Financial Group.
BMO has provided key support at pivotal moments in the National Ballet's history dating back to it's founding. In 1996, BMO contributed a lead gift for the Bold Steps campaign to build the home of the National Ballet, the Walter Carsen Centre. BMO was the lead donor supporting the company's 50thth Anniversary during the 2001/2002 season, and was the title donor of the BMO Financial Group Opening Night Series during the 2003/2004 season.
The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts has a seating capacity of 2000 compared to the current 3200 seats at The Hummingbird Centre. The National Ballet's move to the new facility will require the company's growth to accommodate the increase in the number of performances, as well as a larger company of dancers. The funds raised by The Next Stage Campaign will be critical towards this stage in the company's history.
About BMO Financial Group's Commitment to Communities
Since 1817, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility to the communities it serves. BMO Financial Group contributed more than $29 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in 2004, supporting thousands of communities, charities and not-for-profit organizations in Canada. In 2005, BMO was named Best Corporate Citizen of the Year in Canada by Corporate Knights magazine.
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