2015 campaign raises $3.45 million to fight poverty and exclusion

MONTREAL, Jan. 20, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - National Bank employees and retirees once again rallied to support United Way/Centraide in its efforts to reduce social inequality by making a donation of $3.45 million. This is the Bank's largest contribution in its 38-year partnership with United Way/Centraide. The total includes funds raised by thousands of Bank employees and retirees across Canada, plus a corporate donation, and will go to supporting the organization in its fight against poverty and exclusion.

Renewing our commitment
National Bank's United Way/Centraide campaign was led by a dynamic team headed by Karen Leggett, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice-President – Corporate Development. To build on the Bank's long-standing commitment to United Way/Centraide, the team focused on increasing awareness of social issues and community solutions.

"As governor of the campaign, I would like to thank our employees, retirees and leaders for their tremendous generosity. We could not have raised this record amount without their support. This year, we presented some of the many faces of United Way/Centraide and shared the moving stories of society's most vulnerable, including troubled young people, marginalized individuals and lonely seniors. With their daily struggle against poverty and exclusion in mind, we are proud to be offering United Way/Centraide not just financial backing, but also heartfelt support for their important mission," stated Karen Leggett.

"Community involvement is in National Bank's DNA," added Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Given the key role United Way/Centraide plays as a social investor, we are deeply committed to supporting this umbrella organization."

Helping to reduce inequality through annual campaigns
Through its fundraising, National Bank aims to help United Way/Centraide provide a sense of dignity to those in need and build more inclusive and stronger communities. During the 2015 campaign, Bank employees and retirees were again able to rally behind the cause, either by working on the campaign committee, promoting the campaign in Bank units Canada-wide, raising funds or cheering on the Bank's team at the Centraide Soccer Cup.

Every year, through its donations and sponsorships program and the initiatives of its employees, National Bank supports hundreds of organizations across Canada. It is particularly committed to supporting health, education, entrepreneurship and community outreach, with the goal of generating positive benefits for communities. To find out more, visit commitment.nationalbank.ca.

About National Bank of Canada
With $216 billion in assets as at October 31, 2015, National Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities at nbc.ca or via social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. 

SOURCE National Bank of Canada

Image with caption: "Karen Leggett, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice-President –Corporate Development at National Bank and Lili-Anna Pereša, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal, alongside many of the Bank's campaign managers and participants in the Centraide Soccer Cup. (CNW Group/National Bank of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160120_C6495_PHOTO_EN_602439.jpg