News Releases

• 13 BMO employees take a seat in a wheelchair for second annual Chair Aware fundraiser and panel discussion on workplace diversity
• Over $25,000 raised for Muscular Dystrophy Canada

TORONTO, May 28, 2010 - BMO Financial Group announced its participation in the second annual Muscular Dystrophy Canada Chair Aware fundraiser in offices across downtown Toronto. On Tuesday June 1, 2010, 13 BMO employees will spend the day in wheelchairs to raise money for services and research that impact more than 50,000 Canadians.

"BMO is excited to join in Muscular Dystrophy Canada's commitment to raise funds for essential services and research," said Michel Chalifoux, Vice-President, Initiatives Management Team, BMO Financial Group. "As the father of a son with Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, I am proud to be part of an organization that supports initiatives such as this and is committed to diversity and accessibility."

The event will kick off at BMO's flagship downtown branch at First Canadian Place with a cheque presentation to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, followed by a ride-along with the Chair Aware participants on TTC Wheel-Trans from First Canadian Place to the Manulife Centre. BMO employees will then join Muscular Dystrophy Canada's CEO, Catherine Sherrard, in a panel discussion led by BMO's Yasmin Meralli, Vice President, Diversity and Human Resources.

"The Chair Aware Challenge and panel is a great opportunity to raise awareness around the obstacles that people using wheelchairs face on a daily basis," said Kevin Harrison, Muscular Dystrophy Canada. "BMO Financial Group has done a fantastic job raising money and the profile of those with muscular dystrophy within their organization."

WHAT: BMO Chair Aware Challenge Press Conference, TTC Wheel-Trans Ride Along and Panel Discussion

WHO:

• Sue Witteveen, Executive Managing Director, Anti-Money Laundering, Enterprise Operations, BMO Financial Group
• Yasmin Meralli, Vice-President Diversity and Human Resources, BMO Financial Group
• Michel Chalifoux, Vice-President, Initiatives Management Team, BMO Financial Group
• Catherine Sherrard, CEO, Muscular Dystrophy Canada
• Kevin Harrison, National Director of Corporate Giving, Muscular Dystrophy Canada

WHERE:First Canadian Place - BMO Branch

100 King St. W

WHEN:11:00 a.m.Tuesday, June 1, 2010

To donate to the BMO Chair Aware Team Challenge please visit www.muscle.ca

Muscular Dystrophy Canada's dedicated volunteers and staff across the country raise funds and work hard to support the independence and full participation of Canadians with neuromuscular disorders, fund research to find a cure and improve the quality of life of people with neuromuscular disorders, assist clients to participate in the decisions that affect them, and collaborate with others for social change.

From the development of the first Registered Disability Savings Plan to sponsorship of the Pride Remembrance Run, BMO is committed to promoting accessibility, inclusivity and equality. This commitment extends to initiatives outside the workplace into all communities where BMO operates.