BMO, its Employees and Retirees Donate More Than $31.6 Million Across North America in 2017

• More than 240 local United Ways and thousands of other charities will benefit from donations of time and money from more than 42,000 employees
• 93 per cent of company employees have donated their time and money ? highest level of participation ever
• BMO honoured by United Way Toronto & York Region with 2017 Spirit Award

TORONTO and CHICAGO, Feb. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - BMO and more than 42,000 of its employees and retirees across Canada and the United States continued a long tradition of generosity and giving back to their communities, by contributing more than $31.6 million in 2017 through local fundraisers, corporate donations and the bank's Employee Giving Campaign to help United Ways and other charities across North America. BMO employees also volunteered at hundreds of charities in communities across Canada and the U.S. throughout the year.

The Employee Giving Campaign is an annual initiative. Combined with other employee fundraising activities and corporate donations to local United Ways, it has raised more than $136.5 million for charities over the last five years.  

In recognition for its support, BMO received the 2017 Spirit Award from United Way Toronto & York Region. Each year, United Way Toronto & York Region recognizes organizations and teams that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to building opportunity for everyone in their communities.

"BMO is an exemplary partner in our fight against local poverty and so worthy of this award," said Daniele Zanotti, President & CEO, United Way Toronto & York Region. "BMO employees play an integral role in our Uprising of Care, showing their generosity and commitment to community through their tremendous support."

About BMO Financial Group
Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider ? the 8^th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $710 billion as of October 31, 2017, and more than 45,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial 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.

SOURCE BMO Financial Group