National Bank Financial Group donates $45,000 to West Island Community Shares

“National Bank Financial Group takes great pride in supporting organizations and promoting the well-being of communities. West Island Community Shares plays a key role by making essential services even more accessible to West Island residents in need,” said Louis Vachon, President and CEO of National Bank Financial Group. “I am honoured to accept this donation on behalf of the Board of Directors of West Island Community Shares,” said Karen Groom-Campeau, President. “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to National Bank Financial Group for the support and confidence this three-year commitment demonstrates.”

National Bank Financial Group was also a major event partner of the Red & White Benefit Evening. Mr. Vachon graciously acted as co-chair of the evening, which was held in January 2009 and raised $70,000.

West Island Community Shares is a fundraising organization with a structure that is unique in Canada. Corporate partners help cover administrative costs, allowing Community Shares to distribute 100% of funds raised among the community groups it supports. This year’s campaign runs until March 31, 2009 and the campaign goal has been set at $675,000.

In 2008, through its donations and sponsorships program and the initiatives of its employees, National Bank Financial Group helped support hundreds of organizations across Canada. It focuses primarily on four main areas of activity – health, education, arts and culture, and community outreach – with the goal of generating positive spinoffs for communities.

More information on the many causes and projects the Financial Group supports as part of its commitment to the communities it serves can be found in its Social Responsibility Report, available on its Internet site at www.nbc.ca/socialresponsibility.