VICTORIAVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - July 16, 2012) -

Editors Note: There are two photos associated with this press release.

The second edition of the National Bank Bicycle Tour, which took place in Central Quebec from July 13 to 15, was a resounding success. This year's event, which brought together some 120 National Bank employees from across the province, was more than just a physical challenge: it enabled $85,000 to be raised in support of Fondation Tel-jeunes.

Honorary Chair Alain Brunet, Senior Vice-President - Insurance and President of National Bank Insurance, and Tel-jeunes spokeswoman Marina Orsini, officially launched the tour as cyclists started out at the École secondaire Le Tandem Boisé in Victoriaville. During the course of their 300-kilometre ride, they made stops at a number of the National Bank's branches in the Central Quebec region, and enjoyed two official soirées organized by National Bank Financial in Drummondville, and National Bank Insurance in Nicolet.

"This remarkable initiative shows an impressive degree of teamwork among participants across Quebec. Over the past three days, participants from every sector of the Bank had the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional experience, meet people of all ages and show their commitment to the community by supporting Fondation Tel-jeunes. In addition to benefiting from a healthy dose of physical exercise, Bank employees gave a much needed boost to this vital counselling service for young people and their parents in Quebec," declared Alain Brunet.

The funds raised by the 39 National Bank teams that took part in the tour will help Fondation Tel-jeunes maintain the LigneParents and Tel-jeunes help lines, established in 1981 and 1991 respectively. Through these free services, Quebec youngsters and their parents can obtain confidential assistance from trained professionals by simply picking up the phone! The Bank is extremely proud to support this organization that is dedicated to the well-being of the community.

Every year, through its donations and sponsorships program and the initiatives of its employees, National Bank helps support 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 about National Bank's involvement in the community, consult its 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 [ clearfacts.ca ] and [ commitment.nationalbank.ca ].

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

To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

[ http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120716-BNC_Tour_cycliste_Fondation_Tel-jeunes_800.jpg ].

[ http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120716-MarinaOrsini_AlainBrunet_800.jpg ]

Contributing Sources

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Market Wire