Close to $1 million donated to Centraide of Greater Montreal by the National Bank and its employees

Montreal, 11 December 2003 - 

When Centraide of Greater Montreal announced the results of its 2003 campaign, the National Bank had the honour of making a donation of $982,355.52. This amount represents the funds collected from employees in the Greater Montreal area and a corporate donation, making the National Bank one of the top 30 donors of the 2003 Centraide of Greater Montreal campaign.

"This generous donation shows just how important it is to the Bank to help improve the quality of life in the community. For many years, the National Bank and its employees have been supporting the Centraide campaign and each year we are proud to be involved," explained Réal Raymond, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank.

Across the country, National Bank employees also participated in the United Way/ Centraide campaign in their region. Between their contributions and that of the Bank, over $1.5 million was donated to Centraide.

A photo is available, please call Geneviève Morin at (514) 394-8085 to obtain an electronic version.

The photo shows Réal Raymond, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank, Michèle Thibodeau-DeGuire, President and Executive Director of Centraide of Greater Montreal, and Robert C. Marchand, Coordinator of the Centraide campaign for National Bank employees.

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 more than $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
Director – Public Relations
National Bank of Canada
Tel.: (514) 394-8644
E-mail: denis.dube@nbc.ca