News Releases

BMO Announces $100,000 Donation to Support Red Cross Efforts in Japan

TORONTO AND CHICAGO, March 14, 2011 – BMO Financial Group today announced that it will contribute $100,000 to support the Red Cross Japan Earthquake Asia Pacific Tsunami Appeal.

"All of us at BMO are deeply saddened by the devastation resulting from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan," said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "The scale of this tragedy is massive, and the humanitarian relief need is great. We are trying to help facilitate donations.”

Those wishing to make a contribution to the Red Cross can do so at BMO Bank of Montreal branches in Canada and Harris Bank branches in the United States from March 15 to April 15, 2011. As well, in order to assist customers who wish to send drafts or fund transfers directly to relatives or other affected individuals or agencies in Japan, BMO and Harris are waiving fees related to these transactions until April 15, 2011.

About BMO Financial Group:
Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group (TSX, NYSE: BMO) is a highly diversified financial services organization. With total assets of $412 billion as of October 31, 2010, and 38,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.

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Media inquires please contact:

Paul Deegan, Toronto, paul.deegan@bmo.com, 416-867-3996

Ronald Monet, Montreal, ronald.monet@bmo.com, 514-877-1873

Laurie Grant, Vancouver laurie.grant@bmo.com, 604- 665-7596

Rachel Gerds, Chicago, Rachel.Gerds@harrisbank.com, 312-461-7865

For further information: