For the third year running, BMO Bank of Montreal's Toronto-area branches have partnered with the Children's Aid Foundation to sell the popular ‘J.J. Bear' in support of abused and neglected children.
Proceeds from J.J. Bear Holiday Hug Program sales will help provide children in the Greater Toronto Area with a range of recreational and cultural activities that encourage healthy and well-rounded development through the Children's Aid Foundation's Miracle, Camp, Play, and Health and Well-Being Funds.
"We are enormously grateful for the support BMO Bank of Montreal has shown the Children's Aid Foundation,” said Sheilagh B. Johnson, Executive Director of the Children's Aid Foundation. "Every year 300,000 children in Canada are at risk of abuse and neglect. With BMO's support, we have raised thousands of dollars which will help us continue to assist the most disadvantaged children in our communities, one child at a time.
“Our aim is to help level the playing field for thousands of children across the GTA by providing access to activities such as playing sports, learning to play an instrument, painting, or going to a museum. These activities are crucial in helping these children build confidence, self-esteem and pride.”
“Our BMO branch staff are extremely excited to be working with the CAF in raising funds and building profile for this important program,” said Marta Jones-Tromm, Toronto Area West Banking Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal. The program has become more and more popular each year. Last year, in just its second year the J.J. Bear Holiday Hug program more than doubled its first year sales and this year we're confident we'll reach an ambitious goal of $100,000 in sales by December 30.
J.J. Bear will be available for sale in BMO Bank of Montreal branches across the GTA until December 30, 2006 for a price of $10 or at www.cafdn.org. Participating BMO Bank of Montreal branches are listed at www.cafdn.org. Additionally, the bears will be available for purchase at the Yonge and Bloor subway station on November 22-23 from 7-10 a.m. and from 4-7 p.m.
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