News Releases

Bloorview Kids Foundation and BMO Financial Group celebrated the naming dedication of the Bloorview School Library at an event on Thursday evening. In honour and appreciation of BMO's campaign gift, Bloorview named the school library – BMO Financial Group School Library.

“This reaffirms BMO's strong partnership with Bloorview and we believe this donation will help enrich the lives of children with disabilities and their families,” said Gilles Ouellette, President and CEO, Private Client Group, BMO Financial Group. “Thank you and congratulations to Bloorview and all its dedicated staff who work with children to achieve a better quality of life.”

Mr. Ouellette and Tom Flynn, Chief Risk Officer, BMO Financial Group, and a Bloorview Kids Rehab Board Trustee, participated in the unveiling ceremony and recognition of BMO's growing partnership and generous contributions of $530,000 to Bloorview, which included:

• A donation to the Foundation's recent capital campaign for the new state-of-the-art comprehensive facility
• Upgrades to the computer lab in the Library
• Becoming presenting sponsor of the 3rd annual Recipes for Possibility calendar and signature gala, An Evening of Possibility in November, where hundreds of supporters will have the opportunity to enjoy a culinary feast

Risa Worth and her daughter Eden attended the celebration as special guests to help thank BMO Financial Group for their support of Bloorview. Risa and Eden know first hand the impact a place like Bloorview has on children with disabilities and their families. Eden was diagnosed with a brain tumour at age 5 and used many of the programs and services at Bloorview to regain her life. She is now in grade 2 and enjoying an active life.

“At Bloorview, we believe that all children deserve a chance to reach their full potential,” said Valerie McMurtry, President and CEO, Bloorview Kids Foundation. “We are grateful to have corporate partners, like BMO Financial Group, who are committed to fund programs, services, and innovative research that enables children with disabilities to be active participants in their communities.”

About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $375 billion as at April 30, 2008, and more than 37,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions. In 2007, BMO contributed $42.6 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events, supporting communities and thousands of charities and not-for-profit organizations across Canada.

Bloorview Kids Foundation
Bloorview Kids Foundation develops relationships and raises funds from the community for Bloorview Kids Rehab. Bloorview is Canada's largest pediatric rehabilitation and complex continuing care teaching hospital, fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. Bloorview's work covers the full spectrum from clinical care and treatment, to assistive technologies and rehab therapies, to creative arts, education and research to empower children with disabilities. Every day, donor support enables our world-class medical care, research and education programs to enrich the lives of thousands of children with disabilities and their families.

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