News Releases

Employees of BMO Capital Markets and BMO Nesbitt Burns have raised a record $2.84-million for the United Way of Greater Toronto.

“Our employees have once again demonstrated their strong sense of community through their volunteerism and overwhelming support of the 2006 United Way Campaign,” said Eric Tripp, Co-President of BMO Capital Markets and a Campaign co-Chair.

“We are very proud of everyone who made this campaign such a success. Our collective efforts go a long way to help strengthen our neighbourhoods and improve lives in our communities,” said Kris Vikmanis, Head of Retirement Market, BMO Financial Group, and a Campaign co-Chair.

This year's campaign marked an exceptional 10 per cent increase in dollars raised compared to last year and involved more than 2,000 of the firm's Toronto area employees. In addition to charitable giving, the employees held jeans days, golf tournaments, silent auctions, 50/50 draws and bake sales.

"United Way is enormously appreciative of BMO employees' commitment to our annual campaign – for their valuable fundraising and, especially, for the time and energy from all levels of employees and executives," said Frances Lankin, President and CEO, United Way of Greater Toronto. "Their commitment and leadership in this arena has earned them a Spirit Award for their best-in-class employee campaign. Their generosity will help support our network of 200 health and social services agencies, fulfill the potential of our city's newcomers and youth, and create opportunities for growth and improvement in Toronto's inner-city neighbourhoods."

Since its beginning in 1817, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. BMO is one of Canada's top corporate donors, contributing more than $29.5 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events, supporting communities, charities and not-for-profit organizations in 2006.

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