Diane Lavoie becomes the first recipient of the 'André Bérard Volunteer Award' from the National Bank

Montreal, 19 June 2003 - 

Diane Lavoie, Financial Services Manager at the TelNat Business Development Centre, was honoured by the National Bank when she received the "André Bérard Volunteer Award".

Ms. Lavoie is no newcomer to community involvement. She helped with the Jean Lapointe telethon for several years before becoming involved with the Foundation for Research into Children's Diseases over 15 years ago. "What really motivates me is to go that extra mile. When you do that, you do it at work, you do it for the people you love, and you do it for your community. And it always has positive repercussions on every aspect of your life," Diane Lavoie explained. Her active involvement in organizing fundraising activities enabled the Foundation to raise $141,200 in 2002. "By honouring me with this award," Ms. Lavoie said "the National Bank has not only enabled me to make a donation of $2,000 to the Foundation, but it's also made me feel that my efforts to improve the quality of life of sick children are valued and fully supported."

The exceptional work of its employees who volunteer in their community has long been recognized by the National Bank. In 2003, as a way of highlighting their valuable contribution, the Bank decided to create the "André Bérard Volunteer Award" in honour of its Chairman of the Board and his exemplary commitment to the community over so many years.

The National Bank believes it has a duty to help improve the quality of life in the various communities where it is present and to participate actively in their social development. It does this through donations, sponsorships, fundraising in the branches and events organized by the Bank or its subsidiaries. For instance, in 2002, the Bank donated almost $10 million to hundreds of organizations across Canada. The volunteer work of its employees also plays a very important part.

A photo of "André Bérard, Chairman of the Board of the National Bank, and Diane Lavoie, recipient of the 2003 André Bérard Volunteer Award, with a cheque for the Foundation for Research into Children's Diseases" is available on CCNMatthews' Web site at the following address: http://www2.cdn-news.com/database/fax/2000/NA0619.jpg

About the National Bank

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group which provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its customers elsewhere in the world. The National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management, as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. The National Bank has approximately $75 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs over 17,000 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA: TSX). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca.

Information (the telephone number and e-mail address provided below are for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives):

Denis Dubé
Manager, Public Relations Department
National Bank of Canada
Tel.: (514) 394-8644
E-mail: denis.dube@nbc.ca