TORONTO, Feb. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - RBC announced today that charitable contributions by employees and retirees from across Canada raised more than $12.5 million in support of its 2012 RBC Employees United Way campaign, exceeding funds raised last year by over $650,000. Combined with RBC's corporate donations across the country of more than $3.9 million, this year's campaign generated a total of more than $16.4 million to support United Way campaigns and local charities across Canada.

"I'm tremendously proud of the passion for helping others once again shown by RBC employees and retirees," said Gordon M. Nixon, president and CEO, RBC. "Their efforts and contributions will have a direct impact on the lives of a great many people in our communities across the country."

RBC is one of the top corporate supporters of the United Way 2012 Campaign. Over 21,000 employees donated to the cause, through direct giving and fundraising events organized by RBC employees and retirees. In addition, more than 425 employees and retirees participated in community projects through United Way Days of Caring in 2012.

The campaign is the largest workplace charitable campaign in Canada and benefits United Way campaigns across Canada, health partners and more than 80,000 registered charities.

Since 1927, RBC employees and retirees have consistently donated to United Way fundraising campaigns.

About RBC Community & Sustainability
Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries operate under the master brand name RBC. We employ approximately 80,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 15 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 49 other countries. RBC is recognized among the world's financial, social and environmental leaders and is listed on the 2012 - 2013 Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, the DJSI North American Index, the Jantzi Social Index and the FTSE4Good Index. RBC is one of Canada's Greenest Employers, one of Canada's 50 Most Socially Responsible Corporations and among the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World.

RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2012, we contributed more than $95 million to causes worldwide, including donations and community investments of more than $64 million and $31 million in sponsorships.

SOURCE: RBC