To celebrate its 200th anniversary, BMO Bank of Montreal is inviting the public to visit its downtown Courtenay branch on Friday, April 7th for prizes, refreshments and a chance to Wish it Forward in the BMO200 Fountain.
“BMO is inviting individuals and organizations to wish it forward in ways that will impact the community in categories like Legacy, Togetherness, Learning, Family and Green,” explains branch manager Candice Baker. Wishes, she says, can be as small as getting an elderly neighbour help with shovelling their driveway or as large as upgrading equipment at a local recreation centre.
“To say thank-you for 200 great years, BMO will be helping to fulfill these wishes – big and small – all year long. Our goal at the Courtenay branch is to collect 200 wishes on April 7 in the BMO200 digital fountain. Then, throughout the course of our bicentennial year, BMO will be granting wishes to thank communities across Canada where the bank does business.”
In addition to marking BMO’s 200th anniversary (and the Courtenay branch’s 61st birthday), the local BMO200 event also heralds the homecoming of Baker herself. A longtime Courtenay resident, Baker has recently returned from several years managing the Ladysmith and Parksville BMO branches, although she says she never stopped thinking of the Comox Valley as home.
“My heart belongs here in Courtenay, and my goal was always to return eventually – that was my wish,” she says. “We have a team here that is so committed to helping BMO become a catalyst for enriching and making a difference in this community. I’m just beyond thrilled to be a part of that.
“We truly want to say thank you to the people who have been part of our journey for 200 years,” she continues. “We’re inviting all of our customers, colleagues and the community at large to come celebrate with us and make a wish for a better tomorrow. And who knows – your wish may just come true!”
To celebrate with BMO and make a wish, stop by BMO at 585 England Avenue on April 7, between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and “toss a coin” into the BMO200 digital fountain.
To learn more, visit www.bmo200.com.
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Image: Candice Baker, branch manager of Courtenay BMO, invites the public to “make a wish for a better tomorrow” on April 7.
