BMO Financial Group's employee-based charity, known as BMO Fountain of Hope (FOH), today announced that it has raised a total of $7.2 million in its 2004 fundraising campaign. Funds raised by Fountain of Hope are distributed to more than 2300 charities across Canada. The 2004 FOH Campaign, completed this month, has set a new record for BMO employee led fundraising, raising 24 per cent more than during the 2003 Campaign. Since the BMO Fountain of Hope was first founded as a national Foundation by employees in 2000, it has raised more than $26 million. "The success of this campaign sends a strong message about the social values of our colleagues and their commitment to helping support the communities in which we live and work," said Maurice Hudon, senior executive vice president, BMO Bank of Montreal. "We are extremely proud of the efforts of our employees to help raise money for so many worthwhile causes."