News Releases
On May 17, 2006, all institutional equity trading commissions earned by BMO Nesbitt Burns, in Canada, and Harris Nesbitt, in the U.S. will, be donated to seven charitable associations whose mission includes improving access to education and training for bright, deserving people who otherwise might not have the opportunity.
The Equity Through Education charitable program was launched in 2005 to support the notion that gaining an education is a means of improving lives. Last year a total of CDN$1.6 million was raised across North America and donated to seven charities that manage programs supporting people who demonstrate academic promise but lack the support and means to pursue furthering their education.
One of the beneficiary charities, Ottawa-based National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS), used its more than $200,000 funding from Equity Through Education to develop a cross-country series of workshops for students who are transitioning to the workplace to discuss job-search strategies and how to cope as first-time employees. The workshops were moderated by leading professional and academic members in their home communities, from
“Transitioning from school to work, for any person with a college or university education, can be difficult, but disabled graduates often face unique barriers and challenges,” said Frank Smith, National Co-ordinator of NEADS. “With funding from Equity Through Education, our job-search workshops provided a unique and vital service that wouldn't otherwise have existed,” he added.
“Education and diversity are among the cornerstones of BMO values,” said Eric Tripp, Co-President of BMO Nesbitt Burns and Campaign Chair of the special trading day. “The Equity Through Education program is BMO Nesbitt Burns and Harris Nesbitt's contribution to fostering these values. It is very satisfying to know that we have the ability to donate trading commissions to bring about positive and meaningful ways of supporting deserving people in their life goals,” he said.
In
- Foundation for the Advancement of Aboriginal Youth (FAAY)
Administered by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB), FAAY is a scholarship and bursary program dedicated to developing the next generation of aboriginal leaders. www.ccab.com
- Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation (CMSF)
Founded in 1988, CMSF is an independent and privately funded organization that gives out the largest undergraduate awards to the country's most promising young leaders. Specifically, the proceeds from Equity Through Education will be used to fund awards for women. www.cmsf.ca
� The Pathways to Education Program
A unique program of the Regent Park Community Health Centre, serving Toronto's Regent Park, Canada's oldest and largest public housing project. Pathways to Education supports “at-risk,” economically disadvantaged youth through high school and inspires them to move on to post-secondary programs. www.pathwaystoeducation.ca
- The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
NEADS is a national organization that works to achieve full access to education for post-secondary students with disabilities across
In the
- The Jackie Robinson Foundation
A public, national organization that provides four-year college scholarships as well as education and leadership development opportunities for students of color with strong capabilities, but limited financial resources. www.jackierobinson.org
- YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities Network
A nationally acclaimed leader in the provision of services, education and training in the field of developmental and learning disabilities. www.yai.org
- The Financial Women's Association
A prominent, not-for-profit organization shaping leaders in business and finance with a special emphasis on the role and development of women. www.fwa.org
BMO Nesbitt Burns and Harris Nesbitt, through their parent, BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO) have proud traditions of supporting community reinvestment. BMO Financial Group contributed more than CDN$37.9 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in 2005, supporting thousands of communities, charities and not-for-profit organizations across North America.
BMO Nesbitt Burns and Harris Nesbitt are leading full-service investment banking firms offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a broad range of products and services including investment and corporate banking, treasury services, market risk management, institutional investing and research. For more information, please visit www.bmo.com.
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