RBC provides $2 million in support of families and communities impacted by wildfires and economic downturn in Alberta

TORONTO, May 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, RBC announced a donation of $2 million to support families and communities affected by the wildfires and the recent economic downturn in Alberta, as part of its longstanding history of helping Canadians. The funds will support relief and recovery efforts for those impacted by the fires, as well as community organizations to assist Alberta families.

"More than 80,000 people have been displaced from their homes so far as a result of the fire. And the long-term implications are still unknown," said Dave McKay, president and CEO, RBC. "We want to do everything we can to aid and support our employees, clients and communities in Alberta to help them recover and rebuild."

We are also supporting Fort McMurray impacted clients with special financial considerations and assistance, including short-term payment deferrals on mortgages, personal loans, home insurance, auto insurance and credit cards. Small business and commercial clients will also be afforded special accommodation through their RBC account managers.

"The devastation of the wildfires is challenging the collective resolve of Albertans.  Alberta has built its foundation on hard work and community, and with the help of others, we will get through this," said Jeff Boyd, Regional President, Alberta and Territories, RBC Royal Bank. "Our employees have a long history of volunteering in their communities to help Albertans get back on their feet and they are rising to the challenge once again."

As part of our extensive employee volunteer program, RBC employee volunteers who commit their time to helping in the affected areas in Alberta can apply for an RBC Day of Service grant of $1,000 for that community organization. We will be welcoming charities to post and share volunteering needs with our more than 50,000 Canadian employees.

This announcement also includes RBC's earlier contribution of $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross. Customers of RBC can continue to make donations to the Canadian Red Cross at their local branch.

ABOUT RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is Canada's largest bank, and one of the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, investor services and capital markets products and services on a global basis. We have over 80,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 16 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 37 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com.‎

RBC helps communities prosper, supporting a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2015, we contributed more than $121 million to causes around the world.

SOURCE RBC

For further information: Pam Brown, RBC Communications, [email protected], 403-292-3372; André Roberts, RBC Communications, [email protected], 416-313-7436