News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO and CHICAGO, ILLINOIS--(Marketwire - June 7, 2012) -

Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.

Today, approximately 6,500 BMO employees in communities across Canada and the U.S. will roll up their sleeves and participate in 400 projects for the first North America-wide BMO Volunteer Day.

"Volunteering is important to us as it supports our commitment to helping others. And on BMO Volunteer Day thousands of us will take time from work to do just that, by participating in non-profit projects," said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "We are recognized for our generosity - and volunteering is another way we work together to help even the odds. And combined, our efforts mean a lot.

"Helping improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work is a core value at BMO, and the inaugural BMO Volunteer Day is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to make meaningful investments in our neighbourhoods, towns and regions," said Mr. Downe.

Mr. Downe added that volunteering has always played an important role in the lives of BMO employees. BMO Volunteer Day encourages and supports this commitment by providing opportunities to participate in charitable work and projects during business hours.

BMO Volunteer Day is a legacy of BMO Harris Bank in the United States which launched the event in 2001, while BMO Capital Markets established their efforts in 2007.

"Our vision to be the bank that defines great customer experience goes beyond financial products and services," said Mark Furlong, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Harris Bank N.A. "We are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of those who live and work in the communities we serve. As a bank, we recognize our unique role in society, and we take our civic responsibility seriously."

BMO Volunteer Day encompasses more than 400 projects in communities across Canada and the U.S., including children and youth organizations, elder care, food banks, community housing and health care facilities, family resource centres, parks and recreational facilities, supporting military personnel overseas, relief organizations and homeless shelters.

"BMO employees have demonstrated what's possible when we come together to support our local communities," said Susan McIsaac, CEO of United Way Toronto, one of a number of charities BMO is supporting through the inaugural BMO Volunteer Day. "The time and energy dedicated by BMO will mean that we can build a stronger more vibrant country. Through their support, we are creating opportunities for a better life for thousands of people across Canada."

Of note in Toronto are two soccer projects. The first is in aid of the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health (CAMH) and will feature BMO Capital Markets CEO Tom Milroy and Bryanna McCarthy of the Canadian Women's National Soccer Team conducting soccer drills followed by a friendly match between participants. The second is the BMO Cleats for Kids project, where employees, with the help of a Toronto FC player and BMO Capital Markets President Eric Tripp, will be cleaning used soccer cleats on BMO's trading floor in Toronto on June 7. The cleats will be given to hundreds of kids so that they will have access to soccer equipment. In Chicago, employees will be preparing thousands of American Red Cross "comfort kits." These personal toiletry packages will be provided to disaster-affected individuals and families. Habitat for Humanity of Milwaukee will benefit from the manual labour efforts of employees who will be installing exterior siding, hanging drywall, and painting in some of the 17 homes that are being built in the community.

For a full list of BMO Volunteer Day projects in Canada and the U.S., click here.

To view the photo associated with this release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120607-TeamBMO800.jpg.