Harris today announced its support of Red Cross relief efforts in Japan through a $100,000 contribution from the bank’s parent company, BMO Financial Group. To further aid humanitarian relief, all Harris branches will also accept donations to the Red Cross and waive Harris’ wire transfer fee for customers sending money to affected individuals or agencies in Japan, starting tomorrow, March 15, through April 15, 2011.

“All of us at Harris and BMO are deeply saddened by the devastation in Japan,” said Ellen Costello, president and CEO, Harris Financial Corp. “We are working closely with the Red Cross, which is appealing to anyone who can support relief efforts. Anyone wishing to join us in contributing can do so at any of our branches.”

Harris branches are accepting donations to the Red Cross from March 15 to April 15, 2011. For customers who wish to send wire transfers directly to relatives or other affected individuals or agencies in Japan, Harris is waiving its wire transfer fees for these transactions until April 15, 2011. In Canada, BMO Bank of Montreal branches are also accepting Red Cross donations and waiving fees related to drafts and fund transfers for customers who wish to send funds to Japan, also until April 15, 2011.