News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 27, 2012) - Approximately 1,200 participants are expected to run and walk in the 17^th annual Pride and Remembrance Run, this Saturday, June 30. The race is a long-standing part of Toronto Pride Week, which is devoted to the celebration and support of the LGBT community. Pride-related spending in Toronto was reported to have totalled $42.3 million in the most recent economic impact study.

Presented by BMO Financial Group, the Pride and Remembrance Run is one of the largest fundraising events held during Pride Week. This year, the proceeds will benefit three Toronto organizations: the Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line, the HIV & AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario (HALCO) and the Pride and Remembrance Foundation.

"This is a friendly race, with a festive atmosphere that showcases, internationally, what a wonderfully inclusive city Toronto has become," said Gavin Clark, Investment Advisor, BMO Nesbitt Burns, and Chair of BMO Pride, BMO's LGBT employee resource group.

"As a major employer that prides itself on fostering an inclusive workplace, we are extremely proud to support the work that organizations in the GTA undertake to promote community spirit and provide medical, legal and social support for the LBGT community," stated Mr. Clark. "We've witnessed participation grow every year, and we fully expect the 2012 Pride and Remembrance Run to be the most successful ever."

The five-kilometre race kicks off with a stretching and yoga session led by Michael DeCorte of Jock Yoga at the start line. The run begins and ends at the intersection of Church and Wellesley.

WHO:	Bernardine Perreira, Co-President, Pride and Remembrance Association
	Gavin Clark, Chair, BMO Pride
	Tricia Maharaj, Branch Manager, Church and Alexander BMO Branch
	Kristyn Wong-Tam, Councillor, Ward 27 Toronto Centre - Rosedale, City of Toronto
WHAT:	2012 Pride and Remembrance Run presented by BMO Financial Group
WHEN:	Saturday, June 30, 2012
	9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
	Race begins at 10 a.m.
	Awards Ceremony at 11:00 a.m.
WHERE:	Corner of Church and Wellesley Streets (Start / Finish line)
	Cawthra Square Park, 519 Church St. (near Wellesley) - Awards ceremony

About the Pride and Remembrance Run

In 1996, three gay athletes founded the Pride and Remembrance Run, an annual five-kilometre fundraising run/walk coinciding with Toronto's Pride Week. It was dedicated to partnering the themes of PRIDE and REMEMBRANCE with community celebration and personal achievement.

The Pride and Remembrance Run has become an annual tradition promoting and fostering community spirit, goodwill, volunteerism and sportsmanship in the LGBT community. For more information visit www.priderun.org.

About BMO and Diversity

From the development of the first Registered Disability Savings Plan to sponsorship of the Pride and Remembrance Run, BMO is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in our workforce and in the communities where we do business.