National Bank Financial Group's 2009 Campaign to Recover Tennis Balls Collects Close to 120,000 Balls for Schools

National Bank Financial Group is pleased to announce the results of its third campaign to recover used tennis balls under the "Recycle to give our kids a better environment" program. This year, close to 120,000 old tennis balls were collected thanks to the generosity of thousands of Quebecers.

These balls were redistributed to more than 750 classes in Quebec to be placed on the legs of students' chairs and desks. This initiative by National Bank Financial Group, undertaken in response to a real need expressed by local schools, seeks to reduce classroom noise and promote a better learning environment for children.

Thousands of balls were recovered during a tour of several tennis clubs in the province and at various major tournaments. In addition, National Bank Financial Group branches accepted donations of used balls from clients.

Since it was launched in 2007, the National Bank Financial Group tennis ball recovery program has collected some 235,000 balls. Year after year, people show their generosity and thousands of children in day care centres and elementary schools in Quebec benefit as a result.

To learn more about the "Recycle to give our kids a better environment" program, go to www.nbc.ca/recuperation.

A photo is available by contacting Marie-Joelle Lebeau at 514-394-5000, ext. 2393.

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Many schools have benefited from the "Recycle to give our kids a better environment" program, including Ecole Pie X in Victoriaville. In the photo, from left to right, Guy Drainville, Principal of Ecole Pie X in Victoriaville, and Stephane Doyon, Manager of the National Bank Financial Group Victoriaville branch.

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2009, is an integrated group that provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its clients elsewhere in the world. National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. National Bank has close to $135 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 17,772 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). For more information, visit the Bank's website at www.nbc.ca.

The telephone number provided below is for the exclusive use of journalists and other media representatives.

Contacts:
National Bank Financial Group
Denis Dube
Director, Public Relations
514-394-8644

SOURCE: National Bank Financial Group