(October 17, 2003)
Skate Canada National Team members Anabelle Langlois, Patrice Archetto and Michelle Currie were on hand on Oct. 8 at the BMO Bank of Montreal Edmonton main branch for the BMO Financial Group Fountain of Hope National Day of Fundraising.

A number of activities were incorporated into the day's festivities, and fans were able to get the skaters' autographs. Visitors of the bank also had the opportunity to participate in the Skating Rink Toonie Toss, at which contestants tried to hit various targets on a mini constructed skating rink in order to win prizes.

"We think that autograph sessions like this are important for the fans because it gives them a better chance to meet us," said Langlois and Archetto.

Clips of previous BMO Financial Group Canadian Championships events were shown on a projector screen throughout the day, as well as an informational video on the BMO Fountain of Hope, a national charitable foundation that is owned and managed by BMO Financial Group employees.

The event helped build excitement for the 2004 BMO Financial Group Canadian Championships, which will be held Jan. 5-11 in Edmonton.

"We are definitely excited to have nationals in Edmonton," said Langlois and Archetto. "We only heard great things about the last time they held the event. The main reason that we are so thrilled about it is that we get to stay home and we don't have to travel. It's also very exciting to perform here for the first time!"