BMO Expands Support for Local Wildfire Relief Efforts in Los Angeles Area
Friday, Jan 10, 2025 8:51 pm ET
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BMO Financial Group, the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, has announced its expanded support for local wildfire relief efforts in the Los Angeles area. The bank has donated a total of $100,000 ($50,000 each) to two organizations providing relief efforts on the ground: United Way of Greater Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund and Direct Relief Wildfire Response. This is in addition to its ongoing annual support of the American Red Cross Emergency Relief Fund.
The United Way of Greater Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund addresses urgent, ongoing needs in the Los Angeles area, including support for low-income individuals whose livelihood has been disrupted, people experiencing homelessness and those who provide services to support them, and disruptions to community organizations and small businesses. Direct Relief responds to wildfires by providing a wide variety of requested medical aid, from wound care to chronic disease treatments, and by distributing emergency grant funding. They also support local health organizations, improving resilience, and work to increase access to care in communities affected by wildfires and other emergencies.
BMO's CEO, Darrel Hackett, stated, "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. We remain committed to supporting our communities, customers, and colleagues through this incredibly difficult time. These two organizations are providing critical resources and relief efforts on the ground in response to this disaster, and we want to do our part to support their work."
Elise Buik, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles, expressed gratitude for BMO's contribution, saying, "As we confront the heartbreaking devastation caused by the wildfires across Los Angeles communities and the long recovery efforts ahead, we are deeply grateful for the generosity of premier supporters like BMO. Their contribution to our Wildfire Response Fund helps address significant ongoing needs for Angelenos. Together, we will rebuild our neighborhoods as one strong community."
Tom Roane, Vice President of Corporate Engagement at Direct Relief, also thanked BMO for their support, stating, "Direct Relief is thankful to BMO for collaborating on our wildfire response in Los Angeles and Southern California. BMO's generosity will help expedite Direct Relief's response and make it more impactful."
BMO has a long history of supporting humanitarian and emergency relief appeals in the U.S. and internationally to help those affected by extreme weather, health crises, and conflicts. The bank will continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance as needed.
In addition to its financial contributions, BMO is offering temporary financial relief to its personal banking customers affected by the wildfires, including waiving monthly maintenance fees, non-BMO ATM transaction fees, and overdraft fees. Payment due dates for mortgages, loans, and lines of credit, or reduced credit card payment amounts will also be extended. BMO also offers low-interest rate loans to qualified consumers in the BMO footprint in impacted areas. Business loan customers can contact their banker for assistance.
BMO's expanded support for local wildfire relief efforts in the Los Angeles area aligns with its core investment values, demonstrating its commitment to community engagement, sustainability, and fostering an inclusive society. By supporting organizations like United Way of Greater Los Angeles and Direct Relief, BMO is helping to address the immediate needs of those affected by the wildfires and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for the region.