News Releases
MONTREAL, February 10, 2009 – BMO Bank of Montreal is proud to join the MONTREAL HIGH LIGHTS Festival as the title sponsor, beginning in 2009 and through 2011, of the BMO Bank of Montreal Celebration of Light.
“At BMO, we believe that a healthy society benefits from a vibrant and vigorous cultural, sports and community life,” said Fran�ois Hudon, Senior Vice-President, Quebec Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “Whether it's simply savouring the joys of winter, putting on skates or listening to a young musician performing in a public space, by yourself or with friends and family, the important thing is to take part in the life of our community.
We encourage the public at large to attend the free outdoor activities of the BMO Bank of Montreal Celebration of Light, which will be held in the city's historic district, formed by Old Montreal and the Quays of the Old Port,” Mr. Hudon continued. “Having put down roots in the heart of this district 191 years ago, we now have the pleasure of welcoming Montrealers and visitors as part of this delightful urban festival, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.”
From February 19 to 22 and February 27 to March 1, on the site of the BMO Bank of Montreal Celebration of Light, festival-goers will be able to enjoy:
- Various shows on the BMO Stage, including Alfa Rococo, the Petites Tounes and a host of other entertainers;
- The BMO Fun Fair, where they can play at game booths, take a ride on the BMO Ferris Wheel or bask in the warmth of the two nomad tents;
- The BMO Skating Rink, the site of shows as well as workshops during which skating tips and advice will be dispensed.
Canadian skating champion and international gold medallist Joannie Rochette as well as many Canadian medalists will skate along with the public and sign autographs. As well, two special events will take place on Saturdays, February 21 and 28, from 4:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Sylvie Simard, president of the F�d�ration de patinage artistique du Qu�bec, congratulated BMO Bank of Montreal, a sponsor of figure skating in Canada for 13 years now, on this magnificent initiative and saluted the Montreal High Lights Festival for providing this unique showcase in the city's centre. “We hope this major public event will bring skaters and their fans closer. We also hope that festival-goers will take advantage of the workshops to learn more about the sport,” she said, adding that each year more than six million Canadians lace up their skates.
Visit the Festival website for the schedule of activities at the BMO Skating Rink at www.montrealenlumiere.com
BMO rolls out the blue carpet for its customers
“We are very enthusiastic about making it possible for festival-goers to benefit from the new BMO Power of Blue program, because this event is fully aligned with BMO's goal of delivering an exceptional customer experience,” Mr. Hudon added.
BMO customers will be offered various free perks, including skate rentals, hot chocolate and coffee, when present they their BMO MasterCard or BMO debit card. They will also receive a discount coupon for food purchases at Festival concessions. BMO cardholders will be able to avail themselves of all these perks at the BMO Power of Blue booth located on the Festival's outdoor site, near De la Commune Street.
About BMO Financial Group
Since its founding in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group has supported the principles of community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility to the communities it serves. In 2008, BMO Financial Group contributed more than $55 million in corporate donations, sponsorships and events in Canada, supporting thousands of communities, charities and non-profit organizations across the country.
BMO Bank of Montreal operates nearly 160 branches in Quebec and BMO Nesbitt Burns has 17 offices. BMO employs some 5,000 people in Quebec.
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