A million dollar fundraising campaign was launched today by the Bank of Montreal Group of Companies, which includes Chicago-based Harris Bank and BMO Nesbitt Burns, to help families of victims and survivors of this week’s U.S. tragedy.

The fundraising effort will consist of a $500,000 corporate donation and an employee fund-raising drive, with matching donations from the bank. The combined efforts are expected to raise $1 million. Donations in Canada will be channeled to the Red Cross and in the United States to a special United Way September 11th Fund.

In Canada, employee contributions will be co-ordinated through the Bank of Montreal’s employee charitable foundation, Fountain of Hope. The employee foundation launched its drive today with an initial $50,000 contribution.

The money raised will be used for a number of programs including providing financial help, grief counseling and trauma support to the families of the victims of the tragic events.

“Our hearts ache for those wounded, killed and traumatized as a result of this horrible event,” said Tony Comper, chairman and CEO, Bank of Montreal. “Our employees in Canada and the United States have expressed a strong desire to reach out and help the victims and their families in whatever way they can.”