Employee and client fundraising plus corporate pledge all being directed
    to the CIBC Breast Cancer Research LabOTTAWA, June 12 /CNW/ - The CIBC Breast Cancer Research Lab in the Ottawa
Hospital Cancer Centre will soon become a reality thanks to a $400,000
donation from CIBC, its employees, clients, friends and families. This
donation to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation's 20-20 Campaign will go towards
improving care, finding new treatments and enhancing the quality of life of
breast cancer patients in the National Capital Region.
    The Ottawa Hospital Foundation's 20-20 Campaign will double the size of
the Hospital's Cancer Centre in addition to adding a new floor for cancer
research, where the CIBC Breast Cancer Research Lab will be located.
    CIBC has worked with many partners to make this generous donation to the
20-20 Campaign a reality. In addition to a CIBC corporate gift of $100,000 to
the Courage Campaign, funds raised in 2008 and 2009 by CIBC employees
participating in the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation's Weekend to End Breast
Cancer, and additional employee fundraising activities and donations will also
be directed to support the Research Lab.
    "We are honoured by this support and very proud that this lab at The
Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre will be permanently called the CIBC Breast
Cancer Research Lab, reflecting the commitment and generosity of the "CIBC
family." The research conducted here will benefit cancer patients throughout
our region and beyond," says Susan Doyle, President and CEO of The Ottawa
Hospital Foundation.
    "I am inspired and excited by the enthusiasm and dedication shown by our
employees for this vital addition to the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre," said
Mary Bellefeuille, CIBC's Vice-President of Retail Distribution for Ontario
East & North. "Our CIBC team in Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley, together with
our clients, have once again demonstrated their generosity and commitment to
the community."
    "The Cancer Foundation is delighted that your Gift Announcement will
highlight CIBC's staff and clients' incredible support for breast cancer
research, as well as demonstrate to the community that cancer fundraising
partners are truly working together to enhance cancer care for this
community," said Linda Eagen, President and CEO of the Ottawa Regional Cancer
Foundation. "This is a project that will benefit our sisters, our mothers, our
wives and our friends."
    In the last five years, CIBC has committed more than $23 million to
hospitals and research centres across Canada, including $5.5 million towards
breast cancer treatment and research.
    In the past year alone, CIBC has proudly supported the Ottawa community
with nearly $750,000 in donations to worthy causes and organizations, like the
University of Ottawa, the Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa-Carleton, and Operation
Go Home.

    CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, our
employees and our communities. We aim to make a difference in communities
through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of
employees. With a strategic focus on youth, education and health, and employee
commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run
for the Cure, the CIBC World Markets Children's Foundation and United Way, we
are investing in the social and economic development of communities across the
country. In 2008, CIBC group of companies contributed more than $36 million
worldwide to charitable and nonprofit initiatives. Of this, more than $27
million was invested in Canada to support national, regional and local
organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com/pas.