BMO Philanthropy Report: Canadians Keep Giving Despite Challenging Economy: - Almost 70 per cent of Canadians have made a charitable donation in the past 12 months - Canadians gave an average of $487 to charitable organizations in the past year; they plan do the same or more in 2012 - However, more than half (54 per cent) of Canadians do not have a charitable giving strategy

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"It is encouraging to see Canadians giving despite the current economic environment," said Marvi Ricker, Vice President & Managing Director of Philanthropic Services, BMO Harris Private Banking. "However, I do encourage those that donate to sit down with a financial professional and develop a giving strategy that can become part of a financial plan, including a disciplined and strategic examination of goals, objectives, interests and options."

"BMO and its employees have long helped support the work of United Way in key centers across North America," added Ms. Ricker. "The United Way does an amazing job at unburdening thousands of local charities from the need to raise funds themselves. We at BMO Harris Private Banking actively recommend to our clients that they support the United Way - whether through cash donations or through the gift of securities, both of which are attractive from a tax perspective."