BMO Capital Markets announced today it raised $1.7 million on its Equity Through Education charitable trading day.

On Sept. 17, commissions earned on all the firm’s institutional equity trades in Canada and the U.S were put aside for the Equity Through Education program.

The money will be donated to nine charities across North America that are devoted to improving access to education and training for bright, deserving individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

“In the current market environment, this represents a truly heroic effort, and I want to congratulate our Equity Products team—and our clients—for demonstrating the commitment, dedication and leadership that are required to make this program such a success,” said Eric Tripp, president of BMO Capital Markets, in a statement.

“The funds raised through Equity Through Education will make a real difference in the lives of hundreds of bright and talented youth who have educational ambitions but limited opportunities to realize them,” Tripp said.