This week, thousands of Bank of Montreal employees left their desks to volunteer in communities across Canada and the U.S. in support of BMO Volunteer Day, the bank announced on Thursday.
Launched in 2001, the day-long event provides opportunities for BMO employees to participate in charitable work and projects during business hours.
This year, in communities across Canada and the U.S., the event encompasses projects supporting children and youth organizations, elder care, food banks, community housing and health care facilities, family resource centres, parks and recreational facilities, relief organizations and homeless shelters.
“Volunteering is at the heart of BMO’s culture,” says Joanna Rotenberg, head, personal wealth management, BMO Financial Group (TSX:BMO).
“We believe that volunteering deepens our understanding of the needs of those around us and builds strong, lasting relationships with the communities where we work and operate. We are here to help.”
Rotenberg personally volunteered with First Book Canada, joining fellow BMO employees as they read to Grade 1 and 2 students at an elementary school in the Greater Toronto Area.
“First Book Canada, as one example, is leading the way in helping children from low-income backgrounds get access to the resources they need to flourish in the classroom and beyond. We are honoured to be a partner in this worthy cause,” she saus.
BMO staff in eight major cities across Canada volunteered at First Book events. The so-called “reading parties” also featured presentations from local Canadian authors and illustrators.