BMO Announces $35,000 Donation to Siksika Nation for Flood Relief in Alberta

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - June 27, 2013) - BMO Bank of Montreal today announced a $35,000 donation to Siksika Nation, located just east of Calgary, to assist the Aboriginal community that has been severely affected by the flooding in Alberta.

"We hope this donation will help the Siksika Nation, a long-time customer of BMO," said Stephen Fay, Head of Aboriginal Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal. "The community is enduring a tremendous challenge from the flooding that has caused extensive damage to many homes and other property on the reserve. We are working closely with Chief Fred Rabbit Carrier and leaders as residents begin to rebuild."

BMO has 13 branches in Aboriginal communities across Canada, including one on Siksika Nation.

The donation follows a previous announcement from BMO of a financial flood relief program to assist customers in Calgary and other locations throughout southern Alberta affected by the flooding. In addition, BMO announced a $100,000 donation to the Canadian Red Cross to support relief efforts in the region. BMO branches across Canada are also accepting donations to the Canadian Red Cross to assist in relief efforts.

"We want to support Albertans who are affected by damage caused by what is considered to be the worst flooding in decades," said Robert Hayes, Senior Vice President, Alberta and NWT Division, BMO Bank of Montreal. "I also want to thank the BMO Team throughout Alberta, whose extraordinary efforts have been integral to re-establishing service for our customers in very difficult circumstances."

BMO also encourages other businesses, individuals and First Nations to provide assistance to Siksika Nation. To donate, please contact Rayann Gordon, Assistant Branch Manager at the Siksika branch, at (403) 734-3600.

About BMO and the Aboriginal Community

BMO's Aboriginal Banking Unit was established more than 20 years ago to work with Aboriginal peoples in their communities. The Unit has 13 on-reserve branches and a more than $2 billion business relationship with Aboriginal customers. With a dedicated experienced team, BMO is able to help Aboriginal customers with products and services to meet their personal banking needs, provide financial advice to on-reserve businesses, and partner with communities on their economic development initiatives and provide customized trust and investment management solutions.