News Releases

LONDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 26, 2013) - BMO Financial Group today announced a $1 million donation to London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) to support the highest-priority needs of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC).

A highest-priority-needs investment in health care to LHSF allows LHSC to meet the immediate needs of any of its patient care, research and education initiatives, but is especially valuable for those programs and initiatives that may not otherwise receive extensive donor support.

"BMO's generous gift supports the dedicated physicians, staff and researchers at LHSC who commit to provide extraordinary and compassionate care to patients and their families every day, while also researching and innovating to make the health care of the future even better," said Bonnie Adamson, President & CEO, London Health Sciences Centre.

Hospital fundraising priorities are set by development councils in each hospital program. The councils are comprised of physicians, researchers and staff. Projects and initiatives are peer reviewed for medical viability and need and are assessed for financial sustainability. Program priorities are then ranked hospital-wide and LHSF raises funds by matching donor interest with those hospital-prioritized needs.

"This is a truly remarkable opportunity for us to help an organization that works very hard to provide health care in the local community," says David Blyth, South West Ontario District Vice President, BMO Bank of Montreal. "BMO has always recognized the importance of health and wellness to communities, and our donation today will help the hospital bring much needed support for the highest-priority-needs of its programs."

Almost 80 per cent of all donations received by LHSF are designated by donors to a specific hospital project or program. Designated gifts are important to meet the hospital's needs, but can only be used in the hospital program that the donor has specified. Programs that affect the most patients achieve the highest awareness levels with the public and receive the most funds. However, lesser-known programs and initiatives that do not necessarily attract much donor attention are just as important to the patients and families who rely on them.

To acknowledge BMO's generosity, the study area outside the Sumner Auditorium in Victoria Hospital's North Tower has been named the BMO Solarium.

"BMO's donation to support the highest priority needs of London Health Sciences Centre is an astute investment in health care. It has the ability to make an immediate difference because of its size and it allows the hospital to fill unmet needs which are not addressed by gifts designated to a specific project or program," said Jim Cassidy, Chair, London Health Sciences Foundation.

London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) is a registered charity accredited by Imagine Canada and the Better Business Bureau, linking donors and health care experts together in pursuit of medical excellence at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). To see why doctors, researchers, nurses and staff at LHSC dedicate their lives to providing great patient care, to pursuing medical discovery and innovation, and to constantly improving through education; why patients are grateful for the extraordinary care they provide; and why donors and volunteers are so committed to supporting their vital work, visit www.lhsf.ca/whatsyourwhy.

For the latest news from LHSF visit www.lhsf.ca/media-room.

About BMO Financial Group

For more than 195 years, BMO Financial Group has believed in community reinvestment and corporate and social responsibility in the communities it serves. In 2012, BMO contributed more than $87.6 million in donations, sponsorships and events in Canada and the United States to groups, organizations and programs that help build and sustain resilient, vital and healthy communities.