BMO Becomes Lead Sponsor of The Gingerwood Charity Horse Shows

Charlottetown, PEI – Gingerwood today officially announced that BMO Financial Group is the new lead sponsor of the Stanhope Equestrian Challenge and Gingerwood Charity Classic that will be held respectively from July 26 to July 28 and from July 30 to August 01, 2010.

“The Gingerwood Charity Horse Shows have become the largest and most prestigious outdoor equestrian events in Atlantic Canada, and the competition draws the premiere competitors from across Atlantic Canada and beyond”, said Martie Murphy from Gingerwood. “We’re thrilled that BMO will partner with us over the next three years to develop the weeklong event as a fun, affordable day in the country for families from across the region,” added Co-Chair Elspeth (Lolly) MacEachern.

“As the founding sponsor of Spruce Meadows in 1976 and the BMO Nations’ Cup, BMO Financial Group has a long and proud tradition of supporting equestrian sport in Canada”, said Christine Cooper, Vice-President, New Brunswick & PEI, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We’re also committed to supporting our communities, and we look forward to working with Gingerwood in providing ongoing support for children and families and welcoming the more than 10,000 spectators from across Canada and the United States that each year attend the six-day competition.”

All proceeds from the Gingerwood Charity Classic and the Stanhope Equestrian Challenge are directed to the Oak Acres Children’s Camp. The inspiration behind this fundraising effort is the belief that a summer camp experience gives a child “a leg up” for life. The show proceeds help to ensure that almost 500 Island children attend the Oak Acres Children’s Camp each summer. Additional information on the camp is available at www.oakacrescamp.com/index.php.

The 55-acre Murphy family farm is also home to over 30 horses, goats, pot belly pigs and Pedro, the miniature donkey. During the Gingerwood shows patrons of all ages enjoy the spectacular horses, full service canteen, pettable farm animals and a variety of other experiences for children throughout the six days of events.

“Everyone works extremely hard to maintain the very high caliber of competition that these shows have become known for,” said Lolly MacEachern who has been the Show Coordinator since its inaugural year in 2006. We are committed to building the venue and the prizes each year to attract an increasingly higher level of competition.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity for competitors and families to see Prince Edward Island in its prime season and experience the range of great summer experiences in Atlantic Canada,” added Ms. Cooper. “My BMO colleagues and I invite volunteers and spectators from Atlantic Canada to join us at the Gingerwood shows that are very affordable for families, at only $5 per car.”

The Gingerwood shows are Equine Canada-sanctioned National Competitions that qualify riders for points to compete at the Royal Winter Fair each November. The two shows provide six days of events featuring the best Hunter and Jumper horses in the region. Competition runs each day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Thursday, July 29, 2010 which is a day off for horses and competitors.

Gingerwood is located at the junction of Route 25 and Route 6 in Stanhope Beach, Prince Edward Island.

The BMO Power of Blue program will be introduced at both competitions, offering exceptional client experiences, with unique and unexpected perks and privileges to BMO customers who attend.

For information on the competition and schedule of events please visit www.gingerwoodfarm.com.