RBC contributes $1 million to creation of Canadian Museum
for Human Rights
TORONTO, April 19, 2004 - RBC
Financial Group today announced that its charitable foundation
is contributing $1 million towards the creation of the Canadian
Museum for Human Rights.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, to be built in Winnipeg
was part of the late Israel Asper's hope and vision to advance
Canada's commitment to human rights, freedom, democracy and
diversity. A major component will be a national student program
that will bring 100,000 high school students from across Canada
to the museum each year.
"This significant contribution is evidence of RBC's belief
in our vision and what it stands for," said Gail Asper,
chairperson of the fundraising committee for the Friends of
the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Inc. "It's no wonder
that RBC is Canada's most socially responsible company again
and again."
RBC's donation will be made this evening at an event in Toronto
to honour Holocaust hero, Giorgio Perlasca. Perlasca was an
Italian businessman who saved thousands of Jews from certain
death in occupied Hungary. Proceeds of the evening will benefit
several other charities committed to furthering human rights
and the quality of life for Jewish and Italian Canadians.
"Diversity is one of RBC's five core values," said
Chuck Winograd, vice-chairman, RBC Financial Group. "A
tribute that brings together people of diverse backgrounds
to honor one man's foresight and ability to 'do the right
thing' seemed like the ideal forum in which to announce our
commitment to the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human
Rights Inc., a group that truly understands the positive benefits
of a diverse society."
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights will be the only museum
of its kind in the world. The project seeks to address Canadian
and worldwide issues of tolerance and respect for human rights
across many boundaries including ethnicity, race, politics,
religion and gender. It is a joint undertaking of the Friends
of the Canadian Museum of Human Rights Inc., the Government
of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg
and the Forks North Portage Partnership. The museum is scheduled
to open on Canada Day, July 1, 2008.
"RBC is committed to education and youth, and the educational
component of the museum will play a crucial role in enlightening
future generations about human rights and the complexities
involved in living in a diverse society," added Winograd.
"In light of recent hate-motivated crimes in Toronto
and Montreal, we hope it will help foster respect and an understanding
that there is no place for hate and racism in Canada."
RBC Financial Group (RBC) has one of the leading community
care programs in Canada. In 2003, RBC invested over $57 million
with charitable organizations and sponsorship partners in
communities across the country, supporting education, health
care, amateur athletics and the arts, among other causes.
RBC is a founding member of the Imagine program, and through
the RBC Foundation is committed to donating at least one percent
of its average annual net income before taxes to charitable
causes. As such, RBC has been designated a "Caring Company"
by the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy.
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