TORONTO, CHICAGO and NEW YORK, June 3, 2020 /CNW/ - BMO Financial Group today announced a donation of $1 million to a number of organizations in North America to support social and racial justice, and inclusion. 

Aligned with BMO's Purpose, the bank will donate funds to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the Equal Justice Initiative, and the Canadian Anti-Hate Network. The donation also includes support for Greater Twin Cities United Way.

"BMO will always stand up for a society that is more just, where all people are valued, equally," said Darryl White, Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "That includes raising our voice to denounce racism, every time and everywhere we see it. This is a time to not be silent."

"We are deeply saddened by the death of George Floyd, and the anguish it has created," said David Casper, U.S. Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "While physical distancing separates us, this is not a time to be passive.  It's a time to reach out and engage in a dialogue, to reinforce the fundamental belief that our diversity is one of our great strengths as a nation." 

The donation builds on BMO's commitment to an inclusive society with zero barriers, including a focus on internal professional development for Blacks and Latinos and support to minority-owned small businesses, including clients and vendors. BMO continues to drive inclusive behaviours among its leaders and people as well as community alliances and partnerships in areas like workforce development, healthcare, small business, affordable housing, arts and culture.

About BMO Financial Group 
Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider - the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $987 billion as of April 30, 2020, and a team of diverse and highly engaged 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, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

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SOURCE BMO Financial Group

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