National Bank (TSX:NA) is pleased to contribute $125,000 to the Refuge des Jeunes, a youth shelter in downtown Montreal. This contribution is a concrete gesture in support of the Refuge's major fundraising campaign, "Dons d'Avenir," which aims to ensure the shelter's survival going forward, and of the annual Show du Refuge.

The mission of the Refuge des Jeunes is to provide support and assistance to young men who are struggling with homelessness and other issues, and help them improve their living conditions. Since opening its doors in 1989, the Refuge has helped more than 17,000 people in need, and, in 2011, moved to its new home in a newly acquired building. With the "Dons d'Avenir" campaign, the most ambitious fundraising initiative in its history, the Refuge hopes to collect the funds needed to pursue its mission.

National Bank has been a partner of the Refuge for over 10 years. "The work carried out by the Refuge for the good of the community is invaluable. It provides support for young people who are down and out, and helps them get back on their feet," noted Jacques Deforges, Senior Vice-President - Sales and Service, Commercial Banking for Quebec at National Bank and honorary chair of the campaign. "The Bank has made community outreach one of its top priorities for development. That's why it makes perfect sense for us to join forces with the Refuge des Jeunes as part of this major fundraising initiative."

Every year, through its donations and sponsorships program and the initiatives of its employees, National Bank supports hundreds of organizations across Canada. It focuses primarily on four main areas of activity-health, education, arts and culture, and community outreach-with the goal of generating positive benefits for communities. To find out more, consult the Social Responsibility Report at [ www.nbc.ca/socialresponsibility ].

About National Bank of Canada

With $176 billion in assets as at April 30, 2012, National Bank of Canada ([ www.nbc.ca ]), together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups, and was named among the five strongest banks in the world by Bloomberg Markets. The Bank has close to 20,000 employees and is widely recognized as a top employer. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:NA). Follow the Bank's activities via social media and learn more about its extensive community involvement at [ www.clearfacts.ca ] and [ www.commitment.nationalbank.ca ].

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National Bank Contributes $125,000 to the Refuge des Jeunes

National Bank Contributes $125,000 to the Refuge des Jeunes