BMO Invests $50,000 to Expand EFry’s JustKids Program
September 25, 2026 — The Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver (EFry) is proud to announce a $50,000 gift from BMO in support of the expansion of JustKids, a program that creates safe, welcoming opportunities for children and youth affected by parental involvement in the justice system.
The contribution was formally presented during EFry’s Annual General Meeting at the Civic Hotel in Surrey. BMO’s delegation was led by James Kitamura, Regional President, Personal Banking, B.C. & Yukon, BMO. The cheque was received by EFry Chief Executive Officer Azra Hussain and Board of Director President Genesa Greening on behalf of the organization.
“We are deeply grateful to BMO for standing with EFry and investing in the well-being and potential of children,” said Hussain. “This generous contribution will help us bring JustKids to more families, giving children a safe space where they can build confidence, experience a sense of belonging and enjoy opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.”
“Stronger communities are built when every child feels supported and has the opportunity to thrive. BMO is proud to support EFry’s JustKids program and help expand its impact for children and families across British Columbia,” said Kitamura.
Children affected by parental incarceration can experience stigma, isolation, financial hardship and disruption to their home and school lives. JustKids responds with trauma-informed camps, recreation, creative activities, learning opportunities and family support designed around their unique circumstances.
BMO’s support will help EFry expand the program’s reach, create additional opportunities for children to participate and strengthen connections with their parents and caregivers.
“At EFry, we believe that a parent’s circumstances should never determine a child’s future,” Hussain added. “Partnerships like this help ensure that children are seen, supported and given every opportunity to thrive.”
EFry recognizes BMO not only for its generous contribution, but also for its commitment to strengthening communities and helping create more inclusive opportunities for children and families.
About EFry
The Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver supports women, children and families affected by poverty, violence, homelessness and involvement in the justice system. Through approximately 50 programs and services, EFry provides housing, counselling,
legal advocacy, employment and skills training, youth support and other pathways that help individuals and families move from surviving to thriving.
BMO Gives. Good grows here.
Helping communities thrive by supporting the organizations that sustain them and encouraging employee giving and volunteerism is at the heart of BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life.
In 2025, we directed more than $124 million to drive progress for communities, which included $115.7 million in philanthropic contributions to hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations across North America.
Our colleagues spent over 65,000+ hours volunteering in the community and contributed more than $40.3 million of donations through employee-driven giving in our annual campaigns. For more information, please visit BMO Gives.
Media Contact
Charie Ginete-Ilon, MBA Senior Manager, Philanthropy
Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver
charie.ilon@efry.com
604.545.0936
www.efry.com