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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 31, 2013) - BMO Financial Group today announced that it is introducing innovative remote volunteering projects to provide greater access for employee participation in its annual BMO Volunteer Day on June 5^th.

BMO Volunteer Day is a legacy of BMO Harris Bank in the United States, which launched the event in 2001. In recent years, the initiative has expanded to include all of BMO Financial Group. This year, BMO Volunteer Day will take place on June 5^th; it will include approximately 7,000 employees participating in more than 450 projects in communities across Canada and the U.S.

Remote or virtual volunteering allows volunteers to provide a service to communities or other individuals using the Internet or other technologies without having to be physically present onsite. The advantage lies in allowing those who cannot volunteer in a specific location to get involved and help make a difference.

"For the second consecutive year, thousands of BMO employees will take time from work to participate in non-profit projects and help to improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work," said Eric Tripp, President, BMO Capital Markets. "This year we are introducing remote volunteering, which expands our volunteer base by including employees who - for one reason or another - are unable to volunteer in person."

In Canada, the remote volunteer project is being launched in partnership with ACCES Employment; it will match remote volunteers with job seekers from diverse backgrounds who are facing barriers to employment. The volunteers will work with the job seekers to help improve their overall interpersonal communication skills through simulated phone interviews.

"As a leader in connecting employers with qualified employees from diverse backgrounds, we're thrilled to be a part of BMO Volunteer Day," said Allison Pond, Executive Director, ACCES Employment. "Currently more than 15,000 job seekers are served annually through our service. The contribution from BMO volunteers will greatly assist our clients by integrating them into the Canadian job market through mentoring and skill set development."

For more information on BMO Volunteer Day, please visit: http://www.bmo.com/home/about/banking/corporate-responsibility/community/volunteer-day.

For more information on ACCES Employment, please visit: http://accesemployment.ca.

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly-diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $555 billion as at April 30, 2013 and more than 46,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.

About ACCES Employment

ACCES Employment is a leader in connecting employers with qualified employees from diverse backgrounds. More than 15,000 job seekers are served annually at five locations across the Greater Toronto Area. As a not-for-profit corporation, ACCES receives funding from all levels of government, corporate sponsors, various supporters and the United Way Toronto.