News Releases

BMO Applauds Volunteerism: Eight Durham Employees RecognizedBMO will donate $4,600 to support local Durham charities

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AJAX, August 13, 2008 – Come and join BMO Financial Group in celebrating its employee's commitment to several local charities. On August 14, BMO will recognize eight Durham region employees for their dedication to philanthropy through BMO's Volunteer Grant Program.

The Volunteer Grant Program supports local communities by providing generous donations to the many non-profit initiatives that BMO employees support by volunteering their time, including coaching kids' sports teams, volunteering at a neighbourhood charity, serving on the board of a local foundation, mentoring disadvantaged youth or raising much-needed funds for local non-profits.

“Our employees are BMO's greatest asset,” said Nancy Holman, The Manager of BMO Bank of Montreal's Hwy 2 and Salem Branch in Ajax. “We are proud of the eight employees in the Durham region whose commitment to the community is being celebrated at this time and we look forward to recognizing the many others who help make our community a better place.”

All BMO employees may apply for a grant of up to $1,500 every two years to support the organizations they are involved with. Four times a year, the Volunteer Grant Committee meets, reviews the applications and awards the funds.

In 2007, BMO contributed $42.6 million in donations, sponsorships and events to charities and non-profits across Canada.

WHEN:

Thursday, August 14, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
BMO cheque presentations at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:

BMO Bank of Montreal
Highway 2 and Salem Branch (180 Kingston Road East, Ajax)

WHAT:

A celebration of BMO's Volunteer Grant recipients and their contribution to the
Durham region community

Speakers include:

Craig Sullivan, Personal Banking Area Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal
Nancy Holman, Branch Manager , BMO Bank of Montreal
Heather O'Brien, Communications Manager, BMO Bank of Montreal

BMO recognizes eight outstanding employees for their community service by donating funds to the organizations they volunteer support:

James Martindale: $600 to support the Whitby Warriors Jr. A Lacrosse Team
Susan McCullough: $500 to support the Whitby Girls' Rep Fastball Association
Cathy Habenschuss: $500 to support the Durham West Girls Hockey Midget Tier 3
Christine Martindale: $500 to support the Whitby Girls Hockey Assoc. - Bantam AA
Jeff Anderson: $1,000 to support the 6th Pickering Scout Troop
Jaime Schultz: $500 to support the Whitby Minor Baseball Association - Pee Wee Select Team
Norm MacLeod: $500 to support the Pickering Heat Pee Wee Boys Fastball
John Singleton, who is unable to attend, has received a $500 donation from BMO for the Pickering Panthers Minor Midget Hockey Team

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