BMO supports Canadian Defence community following CFB Wainwright tragedy

BMO today announced a donation of $175,000 to organizations supporting members of the Canadian Armed Forces community and their families following the recent tragedy connected to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Wainwright. 

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones and communities grieving this profound loss. This heartbreaking event is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices Canadian Armed Forces members and their families make for our country. BMO stands with the Canadian Defence community and is committed to supporting military members, veterans and their families in their time of need. We are grateful to the organizations providing support on the ground and hope our donations will help those affected access the care, resources and assistance they need in the difficult days ahead.” 

- Mike Bonner, Head, Canadian Personal and Business Banking Distribution and Enterprise Chair, Canadian Defence Sector, BMO 

BMO's contribution will support three organizations providing assistance to military members, veterans and families affected by this tragedy: 

• $100,000 to Support Our Troops’ newly established CFB Wainwright Fund, administered by Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services, to provide financial assistance for recovery needs and longer-term community resilience. As the official charitable cause of the Canadian Armed Forces, Support Our Troops assists members, veterans and their families facing challenges related to military service and has an established presence at CFB Wainwright through local grants and other supports. The donation builds on BMO’s existing $100,000 multi-year commitment to their National Scholarship Program, which helps military family members pursue post-secondary education. 
• $50,000 to Wounded Warriors Canada for specialized mental health and bereavement programming for military families affected by the tragedy. The national mental health service provider supports Veterans, trauma-exposed professionals and their families. Their five-day, clinically facilitated Surviving Family Program offers guided grief support, connection with others who have experienced similar loss and follow-up support for immediate family members who have lost a service member in the line of duty or to suicide. The donation builds on BMO’s three-year, $450,000 commitment to their Spousal Resiliency Program to expand in-person delivery and develop a nationally accessible digital format for spouses and partners of trauma-exposed professionals. 
• $25,000 to Together We Stand, a national charity supporting Canadian military families, whose Operation Emergency Fund has launched an urgent appeal in response to the CFB Wainwright tragedy. Working with Canadian Armed Forces chaplains, the fund provides immediate financial assistance to military families in crisis for needs such as travel to be with an injured loved one, temporary accommodations, emergency childcare and food. The donation builds on BMO’s broader support for Canada’s military community, including our presenting sponsorship of the Canada Army Run, where Together We Stand’s work has also been highlighted.