BMO Financial Group Announces $250,000 Donation to the Red Cross Haiti
Earthquake Fund

TORONTO AND CHICAGO , Jan. 13 /CNW/ - BMO Financial Group today announced that it will contribute $250,000 to support the Red Cross efforts in Haiti .

"The devastation in Haiti is massive, and all of us at BMO are deeply saddened by the news. The Red Cross is appealing to everyone who can to support this emergency operation, and we are trying to help facilitate donations. Those wishing to make a contribution to the Red Cross can do so at BMO Bank of Montreal branches in Canada and Harris Bank branches in the United States ," said Bill Downe, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Financial Group. "We are also making a direct appeal to our 36,000 employees to consider donating to the relief efforts," added Mr. Downe .

As well, in order to assist customers who wish to send drafts or fund transfers directly to relatives or other affected individuals or agencies in Haiti , BMO and Harris are waiving all fees or charges related to these transactions. This program will remain in effect until at least February 12, 2010 .

Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is highly diversified. BMO works with millions of personal, commercial, corporate and institutional customers through its operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking Canada , Personal and Commercial Banking U.S., Private Client Group and BMO Capital Markets. BMO employees are dedicated to making BMO the bank that defines great customer experience.

For further information: Paul Deegan, Toronto, [email protected], [phone]; Ron Monet, Montreal, [email protected], [phone]; Jim Kappel, Chicago, [email protected], [phone]; Internet: www.bmo.com