Hundreds of Milwaukee-area BMO Harris Bank employees participate in annual BMO Volunteer Day

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --  As part of its annual North American BMO Volunteer Day, hundreds of BMO volunteers participated in 28 events across Wisconsin, including in Brookfield, Franklin, Milwaukee, Sussex, and Waukesha on June 12. 

In Milwaukee, more than 25 BMO employees donned hard hats at a site on the city’s north side to volunteer with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity. The volunteers worked to frame two new homes for families in need of affordable housing. Employees also participated in a walking tour where they learned about the history of the neighborhood and the various initiatives underway to beautify the block and improve the quality of life of its residents.

"Milwaukee Habitat just launched the most ambitious plan in our organization's history, Midtown 100, to build, rehab and repair 100 homes in the Midtown neighborhood over the next three years," says Milwaukee Habitat's executive director Brian Sonderman. "The employees from BMO Harris are working side by side with future homeowners to transform the landscape of this neighborhood, helping local families in need of safe, affordable housing."

Another 28 BMO employees volunteered at the Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club in Sherman Park to host a Literacy Fair. The Literacy Fair consisted of reading and writing-focused literacy stations that encouraged club members to read in a fun atmosphere. The BMO employees and Boys & Girls Club members even enjoyed a surprise visit from the Bucks' mascot, Bango.

“BMO Harris Bank is a great supporter and longtime partner of the Clubs,” said Vincent Lyles, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. “Volunteer support is critical for our organization to be successful. Events like the BMO Literacy Fair offer kids a chance to play games and learn, all with a little extra attention from volunteers.”