TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – May 7, 2016) – BMO Financial Group today announced a donation of $2 million to support customers, colleagues and communities affected by the devastating wildfires and to help with economic challenges in Alberta. The funds will also provide assistance to community organizations and efforts supporting Albertans.
“Our hope and admiration for the people of Fort McMurray and northern Alberta who have responded so bravely to such a terrible ordeal grows by the hour. The idea that a region of almost 90,000 would need to be evacuated and the scale of the damage to homes and communities is hard to grasp. For those of us who have family and friends who call the city home, this is an especially anxious time. We hope for the continued safety of everyone in the community, and the heroic firefighters and first responders who are working so hard in the toughest of conditions to protect evacuees and bring the fire under control,” said Bill Downe, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. “All of us at BMO are hopeful that, in some small way, this support will help people – including our own colleagues – cope with the trials of the fire and its aftermath and when the time comes to return to the city, BMO will be there to help rebuild.”
In addition to this support for relief and rebuilding efforts, BMO is also supporting impacted customers needing help with short-term deferral payment options, special accommodations and other assistance. Impacted customers are encouraged to visit any branch or contact BMO for more information. Small business and commercial clients are also encouraged to contact their BMO account manager regarding special accommodations.
“Many residents and businesses across Alberta will continue to be affected by the disaster in Fort McMurray and its broader impact on the overall economy,” said Susan Brown, Senior Vice President, Alberta and North West Territories Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We hope our efforts will help to alleviate some of these challenges.”
The funds include a previous donation from BMO of $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross. Customers across Canada can also make a donation to the Canadian Red Cross at their local branch.
About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $699 billion as of January 31, 2016, and close to 47,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.
Paul Gammal
Toronto
paul.gammal@bmo.com
(416) 867-3996
Valerie Doucet
Montreal
Valerie.doucet@bmo.com
(514) 877-8224
Internet: www.bmo.com
Twitter: @BMOmedia