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RIMOUSKI, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - April 8, 2011) -

Editors Note: A photo for this release is available via Marketwire's website.

The Fondation du Cégep de Rimouski is proud to announce that it has received a $100,000 donation from National Bank Financial Group. The donation will be used primarily to support the activities of Les Pionniers, the college's football team. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by Louis Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Bank Financial Group.

The Fondation will also use the funds to continue helping students in their personal, academic and extracurricular pursuits during their studies at the college, promoting success and perseverance through incentive- and achievement-based scholarships, encouraging student involvement in sports, cultural, environmental and community activities, and helping students carry out regional, national and/or international projects.

Jean Létourneau, Treasurer and coordinator of the Fondation's fundraising campaign, gratefully accepted the Financial Group's contribution to supporting the development of students at the Cégep de Rimouski. "The Fondation du Cégep de Rimouski is privileged to enjoy the support of such a reputable institution," he stated.

"I hope that our donation will serve as a springboard for young athletes and—more importantly—encourage them to pursue their education and reach their full potential," stated Louis Vachon, during his visit.

About National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada is an integrated group which provides comprehensive financial services to consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations in its core market, while offering specialized services to its clients elsewhere in the world. National Bank offers a full array of banking services, including retail, corporate and investment banking. It is an active player on international capital markets and, through its subsidiaries, is involved in securities brokerage, insurance and wealth management as well as mutual fund and retirement plan management. National Bank has over $152 billion in assets and, together with its subsidiaries, employs 18,407 people. The Bank's securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (NA:TSX). For more information, visit the Bank's website at [ www.nbc.ca ]. To access National Bank Financial Group's financial education portal, visit [ www.clearfacts.ca ].

About the major fundraising campaign of the Fondation du Cégep de Rimouski

To date, the major fundraising campaign has raised $1.8 million from partners in the community and individuals, with a fixed objective of $2 million. The monies raised will be used to create new scholarship funds, promote student activities across Canada and abroad, sports activities and environmental conservation, and support the work of student services (promote healthy living, assist parents studying at the college, and counselling). Founded in 1988, the Fondation du Cégep de Rimouski is an independent not-for-profit corporation dedicated to promoting learning and the well-being of students.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: [ http://www.marketwire.com/library/20110408-VilleneuveVachonL%c3%a9tourneau_800.jpg ]