FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 15, 2009

BMO commits $1-million to United Way Toronto's Community Hub strategy

TORONTO—A generous gift from BMO will help bring much-needed infrastructure to Toronto's most underserved neighbourhoods — and will give United Way's 2009 campaign an enormous boost, said United Way President and CEO Frances Lankin today at the organization's annual campaign launch.

"This gift goes above and beyond BMO's campaign pledge. It's proof that people in our city come together when it matters most. Not only to meet the most urgent needs in our community, but also to address the root causes of social challenges," Lankin said.

Standing before a colourful crowd of United Way supporters at First Canadian Place, Bill Downe — the President and CEO of BMO Financial Group and Chair of this year's United Way Campaign Cabinet — announced the $1-million gift to support United Way Toronto's Community Hub strategy.

"At BMO, we strongly believe that we can't allow the negative impacts of an uncertain economy jeopardize the progress United Way is making on long-term strategies for creating lasting change in our city," said Downe. "Our commitment to United Way's Community Hub strategy will bring people together and provide them with access to services and support they need — especially critical in times like this."

In Toronto's priority neighbourhoods, the challenges of social isolation and poverty are compounded by the lack of services and community space. As part of United Way's Neighbourhood Strategy, UW has partnered with the Government of Ontario, private funders and community agencies to seed the development of eight Community Hubs in priority neighbourhoods.

In a year when there is so much at stake for so many people in Toronto, Lankin and Downe revealed United Way's citywide fundraising goal of $107.5-million.

"We're doing everything we can to make sure United Way is there to support our community at a time when it's needed most," said Lankin. "Our goal will ensure funding to our member agencies remains stable, especially important in a year when agencies may be facing cuts from other sources."

"We know our friends and neighbours are struggling, so we are calling on everyone, from all parts of our city, to pull together and join us in building a better future for everyone," Lankin told the crowd.

Established in 1956, United Way Toronto is a charity working to advance the common good and create opportunities for a better life for everyone in our city. Working in partnership with others, we mobilize people and resources to address the root causes of social problems and to change community conditions for the better. United Way supports agencies that provide services to strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

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