RBC Financial Group, announced on Thursday that it will donate US$1 million to the September 11th Fund to assist victims of the World Trade Center attack.

The September 11th Fund was established by The United Way of New York City and New York Community Trust to aid the victims and their families. Although the group is based in New York, it will assist victims in all of the cities affected by the events of September 11th. It will also support other emergency assistance agencies such as the Red Cross.

The donation is being made on behalf of all Dain Rauscher and RBC employees and companies worldwide. “This is a tribute to the generosity of Royal Bank of Canada and RBC Financial Group,” said Irv Weiser, chairman, president and CEO of Dain Rauscher. “We are proud to be part of a caring organization that shares Dain Rauscher’s tradition of community leadership.”

“None of us can help but be affected by a tragedy of these proportions, whether we live and work in the areas directly affected or not,” said Gord Nixon, president and CEO of RBC. “On behalf of all our employees worldwide, I extend our deepest sympathies and regrets to the families and friends of those directly affected by these senseless acts of violence.”

“This is a very difficult time for all our colleagues and customers, particularly those in the United States,” said Nixon. “I want them to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them, and with the families impacted by these tragic events.”

RBC Financial Group has more than 500 employees in Manhattan. Those located at One Liberty Plaza, not far from the World Trade Centers, were evacuated safely early on Tuesday morning. However, one employee remains unaccounted for.