OREANDA-NEWS. Kids Help Phone's Walk so Kids Can Talk presented by BMO marks 15 years of fundraising at this year's May 1st events. As Canada's largest charity walk in support of children and youth, and with new sites added this year, the annual event is expected to bring together thousands of Canadians for the cause at 35 locations across the country.

Kids Help Phone is Canada's only 24/7 counselling and information service for youth, offering free, bilingual, confidential and anonymous telephone and online counselling from professionally qualified staff. Much of the revenue needed to maintain this valuable service is raised through the annual walk.

"From the inception of Kids Help Phone, BMO has been a proud partner helping to raise awareness for this great cause," said Gilles Ouellette, Wealth Management Group Head, BMO Financial Group. "As that tradition continues into our fourth year as presenting sponsor for Walk so Kids Can Talk, it only becomes more meaningful to see the growth of the communities coming together to join us, and the impact the Walk has for so many youth across the country."

In addition to community support, the event attracts Canadian star power for the cause, with appearances from athletes, musicians and actors. Notably this year, singer Nikki Y. and media personality Marie-Claude Savard will emcee the Toronto and Montreal walk locations respectively.

"The Walk so Kids Can Talk presented by BMO raises essential funds to ensure Kids Help Phone is always open for kids," says Sharon Wood, President and CEO, Kids Help Phone. "Kids are dealing with more complex issues than ever before and need our help to safely navigate the complex road to adulthood. As a charity, we need donations to help make sure young people can always reach professional counselling and online support when they need it most. By raising money through the Walk, you are directly helping young people develop their skills and build strengths that will enable them to deal with life's challenges and stay safe from harm."

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $699 billion as of January 31, 2016, and close to 47,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.

About Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is charity that provides counselling and referrals as the only national helpline for young people. Since 1989, it has offered kids and teens hope and support through its confidential and anonymous service. As an organization that speaks with young people every day, Kids Help Phone works to share their perspectives and improve their well-being on a societal level. Kids Help Phone raises the majority of its revenue from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community fundraising.