Harris and BMO Capital Markets Celebrate Largest Volunteer Effort Yet

More than 2,100 financial services employees take part in 5th annual Employee Volunteer Day

harris-bank-volunteer-day2Today, more than 2,100 Harris and BMO Capital Markets employees will take part in the company's 5th annual Employee Volunteer Day -- landscaping, teaching, and otherwise volunteering their way to healthier communities across the country.

"Employee Volunteer Day has become an embodiment of our customer-focused culture, and today, more than 70 projects in eight states will come alive with our employees' volunteer spirit," said Judy Rice, senior vice president of Community Affairs and Economic Development, Harris.

harris-bank-volunteer-dayAccording to Independent Sector, a national leadership network for nonprofits, foundations, and corporate giving programs, the 2010 estimate of the value of a volunteer hour is $21.36 -- making Harris and BMO Capital Markets' 2011 Employee Volunteer Day efforts estimated at worth more than $134,568.

This year in Valparaiso, Ind., Harris employees dedicated their time and efforts to Housing Opportunities by painting and cleaning one of the newly acquired apartment buildings in Portage.

In Munster, Ind., volunteers spent their day at the Community Foundation of Northwest Indiana Cancer Resource Centre, helping prepare for the annual Romp and Roll walk and fun run. Nearby, other Harris volunteers lent a hand to the Northwest Indiana Center for Visual and Performing Arts by assembling 500 goody bags for the upcoming annual arts festival.

In Gary, employees helped at Tradewinds Services by spending time with clients. Volunteers planted a garden with the children who are part of Tradewinds Children Services’ program. Others baked brownies and played games with clients who participate in the Adult Day Services Program. Still others sorted and organized the library.

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"As a bank, we have a unique role in society -- and a special duty. Our employees understand that, which is why they're coming out in droves today to support our communities," Rice added. "We were recently ranked the most reputable bank in the nation by Reputation Institute and American Banker -- an honor that reflects our strong commitment to communities that we're demonstrating through efforts like Employee Volunteer Day."

Harris and BMO Capital Markets' Employee Volunteer Day was established in 2007 and participation has since grown steadily, with 1,600 employees taking part in 2009 and 2,100 in 2010. The event now complements an array of philanthropic work, including financial education seminars, charitable grants, nonprofit partnerships, and the annual United Way campaign, which was led by Harris President and CEO Ellen Costello in Metropolitan Chicago in 2010.