TORONTO, Jan. 23, 2024 - PeaceGeeks will increase its support for Canadian newcomers thanks to new support from BMO. PeaceGeeks is a non-profit organization that builds digital tools to support people who have been forcibly displaced as well as immigrants to Canada. "Welcome to Canada", one of their flagship products, is a free, multilingual mobile app that helps newcomers find trusted, relevant information and personalized recommendations to plan their new journey. The app was designed in tandem with newcomers, community organizations, technologists, local governments, and settlement service providers.
Through the relationship, PeaceGeeks will provide newcomers access to trusted online resources and educational content, supported by BMO, to increase financial literacy as they establish their lives in Canada.
Content on the "Welcome to Canada" app's banking section covers topics including an introduction to Canadian banking terms and financial products, how to build credit history, and tips for establishing savings habits and building long-term wealth. The mobile app also seamlessly directs newcomers to banking products and services, and locates nearby bank branches.
"BMO's commitment to supporting newcomers at every step of their financial and personal journey is grounded in our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life," said Sumit Sarkar, Head, Customer Growth, BMO. "BMO's partnership with innovative organizations like PeaceGeeks makes it easier for newcomers to find and use free and trusted financial information to help them make real financial progress as they embark on the next chapter of their lives in Canada."
"When newcomers arrive in Canada, they have a world-class system of free public and private resources to support them," said Jennifer Freeman, CEO, PeaceGeeks. "However, many people are unaware of those resources, and miss valuable opportunities – to find employment, better understand Canadian banking systems, improve their English or French, or upskill their education – which can make moving to Canada easier. Welcome to Canada puts personalized information to navigate their journey and hit the ground running in the palm of newcomers' hands. We are pleased to be partnering with BMO to ensure financial literacy and access to banking is as easy as possible for newcomers."
Welcome to Canada is available in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and, now, Ontario. The app content is accessible in 10 languages in BC and counting in other provinces. Those considering, planning, or who have recently moved to Canada can access personalized financial information and recommendations catered to their individual priorities and needs for different cities and provinces, including cost of rent and childcare.
Founded in 2011, PeaceGeeks is a non-profit organization based in Vancouver that is dedicated to simplifying the immigration journey for Canadian refugees and newcomers through innovative digital tools.
Recognizing that only about a quarter of newcomers are aware of crucial settlement services, PeaceGeeks launched Welcome to Canada. This free, multilingual app aims to provide trusted, relevant information and personalized recommendations to immigrants, refugees, international students, and temporary foreign workers, empowering them to make informed decisions.
Welcome to Canada is available in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario in 10 languages, and PeaceGeeks plans to expand into additional provinces. BMO's investment allows PeaceGeeks to deliver even more digital tools to help Canadian newcomers.
Media contact:
Jennifer Freeman, media@peacegeeks.org
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.3 trillion as of October 31, 2023. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to over 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.
To learn more about how BMO can help customers make financial progress visit www.bmo.com/main/personal.
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