IBM DONATES $50,000 IN TECHNOLOGY TO
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF CANADA

JULY 1, 2005 – IBM Canada Ltd. continues to support the growth and education of Canadian students through its annual donation of computer technology to Junior Achievement of Canada (JACAN). Workstations and servers, valued at more than $50,000, will be distributed to the national office and twelve charter offices across the country to support the delivery of Junior Achievement’s business education programs.

Junior Achievement has been the recipient of a technology grant for five years. In addition to this national grant of hardware technology, IBM employees provide many hours of volunteer time and sponsorship dollars in support of local program delivery.

“The year 2005 marks the 50th anniversary of Junior Achievement in Canada. What could be a more appropriate gift to mark this milestone than the $50,000 technology gift from IBM Canada Ltd.,” says John Saso, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Canada. “The knowledge economy requires Junior Achievement to rethink the way it delivers its programs and its volunteer training. IBM’s generous support allows us to effectively leverage the use of technology. This supports our goal to deliver high quality learning experiences for both the volunteers and the students. We are most grateful for the many ways that IBM supports the Junior Achievement mission.”

"The focus of IBM philanthropy continues to be education,” says Catherine Wellesley, IBM Canada’s Manager of Corporate Community Relations. "We are committed to assisting young Canadians in receiving quality education that prepares them for a successful transition to the workplace. By supporting Junior Achievement, we have a great opportunity to accomplish this goal.”

In the last school year, Junior Achievement delivered in-class and after school programs to more than 232,000 Canadian students. This was made possible with the participation of 11,000 volunteers who contributed time and expertise delivering JA programs to help young people to experience free enterprise, understand business concepts and develop entrepreneurial skill.

About Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement is an international not-for-profit organization formed to bring together business leaders, educators, parents and the community to help youth across Canada develop leadership, entrepreneurial and workforce readiness skills. Formed in 1967, Junior Achievement of Canada (JACAN) develops, markets and licenses the JA brand of youth business and economic education programs in Canada. Through its network of Chartered offices, JA programs have grown to reach more than two and a half million young Canadians in over 400 communities across Canada. More information about Junior Achievement programs and volunteer opportunities can be can be found at www.jacan.org

For more information, contact:
John T. Saso, President & CEO
Junior Achievement of Canada
416-622-4602 ext. 222
1-800-265-0699

Maureen Rourke
Public Relations Manager
IBM Canada Ltd.
905-316-4425