CHICAGO, Jan. 10,
2025 /PRNewswire/ - BMO announced today that it is
continuing its support for people and communities affected by the
wildfires in the Los Angeles area
through donations to two organizations providing relief efforts on
the ground. This is in addition to its ongoing annual support of
the American Red Cross Emergency Relief Fund.
BMO is donating a total of $100,000 ($50,000
each) to the following organizations as it continues to monitor the
situation:
United Way of Greater Los Angeles Wildfire Response
Fund: United Way of Greater Los
Angeles is a critical relief agency when wildfires strike
the Los Angeles area. It addresses
urgent, ongoing needs, which include support for low-income
individuals whose livelihood has been disrupted, people
experiencing homelessness and those who provide services to support
them, and disruptions to community organizations and small
businesses. Anyone wishing to personally learn more or support
wildfire relief efforts for United Way of Greater Los Angeles can do so at this
link.
Direct Relief Wildfire Response: Direct Relief
responds to wildfires by providing a wide variety of requested
medical aid, from wound care to chronic disease treatments, and by
distributing emergency grant funding. Direct Relief also supports
local health organizations, improving resilience, and works to
increase access to care in communities affected by wildfires and
other emergencies. They deliver medical aid, emergency funding,
solar and resilient power, and research and analysis to help
governments and first responders make informed decisions about
wildfires. Anyone wishing to personally learn more about Direct
Relief or support their relief efforts can do so at this link.
"Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the ongoing
wildfires in Los Angeles. We
remain committed to supporting our communities, customers and
colleagues through this incredibly difficult time," said
Darrel Hackett, CEO, BMO U.S. "These two organizations are
providing critical resources and relief efforts on the ground in
response to this disaster and we want to do our part to support
their work."
"As we confront the heartbreaking devastation caused by the
wildfires across Los Angeles
communities and the long recovery efforts ahead, we are deeply
grateful for the generosity of premier supporters like BMO. Their
contribution to our Wildfire Response Fund helps address
significant ongoing needs for Angelenos," said Elise Buik, President & CEO of United Way of
Greater Los Angeles. "Together, we
will rebuild our neighborhoods as one strong community."
"Direct Relief is thankful to BMO for collaborating on our
wildfire response in Los Angeles
and Southern California.
BMO's generosity will help expedite Direct Relief's response
and make it more impactful", said Tom
Roane, Vice President of Corporate Engagement, Direct
Relief.
BMO has long supported humanitarian and emergency relief appeals
in the U.S. and internationally to help those affected by extreme
weather, health crises and conflicts.
About BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial
Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with
total assets of $1.41 trillion as of October 31, 2024. Serving
customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse
team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of
personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets
and investment banking products and services to 13 million
customers across Canada, the United
States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single
purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and
life, BMO is committed to driving positive
change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy,
sustainable future, and inclusive society.
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SOURCE BMO Financial Group