Share your messages of hope and inspiration ahead of this year's Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure

TORONTO, Aug. 18, 2014 /CNW/ - Leading up to October's Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) is inviting Canadians to share messages of hope and inspiration to family and friends who have been touched by breast cancer on a dedicated "Wall of Hope" in CIBC branches across Canada.

As the presenting sponsor, CIBC will put up Walls of Hope in more than 1,100 branches to raise awareness and funds to help create a future without breast cancer. For a suggested donation of $2, anyone can honour a loved one, or the person they're running for in the 2014 CIBC Run for the Cure, by writing their words of hope on a ribbon decal that will be proudly displayed in our branches. All proceeds for the in-branch Wall of Hope support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. A digital Wall of Hope is also accessible on the CIBC Community website.

"I invite everyone who has been touched in some way by breast cancer to visit one of our branches to share their stories and be inspired by the messages of others," says Christina Kramer, Executive Vice President, Retail and Business Banking, CIBC and CIBC's Executive Run Sponsor.

"The reality is this disease continues to be the most common diagnosis for women in Canada, which is why we can't stop working towards finding a cure," she says. "I encourage you to join the more than 125,500 Canadians, who will run, walk or volunteer in the annual CIBC Run for the Cure on October 5, 2014 in communities across Canada."

CIBC is also pleased to launch the 2014 CIBC Pink Collection™, now exclusively available in branches across Canada. This year, the collection features handy and reusable items for a suggested contribution:

• Lunch Container for $10
• Reversible Tote Bag for $15
• Cosmetic Bag for $15
• Umbrella for $20

Every contribution counts, which is why CIBC donates 100 per cent of the net proceeds from the CIBC Pink Collection™ to Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. Quantities are limited and available only while supplies last.

CIBC's involvement in the breast cancer cause started at a grassroots level in support of a colleague with breast cancer.  Recognizing the passion its employees had for this cause, CIBC became title sponsor in 1997. Since then, CIBC employees, their families, clients and friends have raised more than $36 million through pledges, fundraising efforts and events and CIBC Pink Collection contributions.

"The incredible dedication and commitment of CIBC's employees to the breast cancer cause is greatly appreciated," says Jane Parsons, Co-CEO, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. "The funds raised help us to support relevant, innovative research, provide education programs and resources, and advocate for the breast cancer community. We've come so far in working toward our vision of a future without breast cancer. We can't stop now."

CIBC invites Canadians to show their support for the CIBC Pink Collection™ on social media at #CIBCRunfortheCure.

The 2014 CIBC Run for the Cure takes place on October 5 in 66 communities from Victoria to St. John's. This year, a new Run location is at the Toronto Zoo.

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. With a strategic focus on Kids, Cures and Community, and employee commitment to causes, including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the CIBC Children's Foundation and United Way, we are investing in the social and economic development of communities across the country. In 2013, CIBC contributed more than $41 million to 1,870 charitable and non-profit initiatives in over 430 communities. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Media Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure
Since 1992, the annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure has been the largest, single-day, volunteer-led national event in support of creating a future without breast cancer. On October 5, 2014, this national movement will again connect participants and volunteers in 66 communities across the country. For more information, visit www.CIBCrunforthecure.com.

About Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
For over 25 years, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has been at the forefront of a nation-wide movement to raise awareness and mobilize action on breast cancer. Today, the Foundation is Canada's leading community-driven breast cancer charity dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Since 1986, from coast to coast, we have invested over $300 million to fund vital research, community health grants and education programs that have led progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Visit www.cbcf.org and join the movement.

Attention Editors: Nine CIBC Regional Run Champions are available to share their personal stories of commitment to helping the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation achieve a future without breast cancer:

• GTA - Zina Atkinson
  
  "I'm doing what I can to ensure my daughters see a future without breast cancer," says Ms. Atkinson, whose cousin lost her battle with breast cancer at the age of 44 and her mother-in-law and aunt are both breast cancer survivors.
   
• Eastern Ontario - Alison Phillips
  
  "When I was very young my mother's best friend died of breast cancer," says Ms. Phillips. "Seeing the impact on her family and friends was something I will never forget."
   
• Quebec - Joanne Lavergne
  
  "When we see the number of women who now survive from breast cancer it shows that our small contribution as a volunteer can make a difference," says Ms. Lavergne.
   
• Alberta - Sangeen Natt
  
  "This cause does not just affect those with breast cancer, it affects everyone," says Ms. Natt, whose aunts, family friends and work colleagues have all battled the disease.
   
• Prairies - Linda Schulze
  
  "The sea of Pink T-shirts of survivors and Team CIBC was more than words can explain," says Ms. Schulze, whose partner's mother is a breast cancer survivor.
   
• Southwestern Ontario - Jennilea Ramos
  
  "I decided to join the Run because I wanted to be involved in something great to support my grandmother who had breast cancer," says Ms. Ramos.
   
• GTA - Rose Dorland
  
  "Breast cancer is no stranger to my family, having lost my mother and two aunts to the disease," says Ms. Dorland, a 37-year CIBC veteran.
   
• British Columbia - Jassy Braich
  
  "It matters to me because breast cancer could affect my family and family is the foundation of my life," says Mr. Briach.
   
• Atlantic Canada - Janice Neumann
  
  "There isn't a person I know who has not been touched in some way by breast cancer - be it family, friends or co-workers," says Ms. Neumann.

SOURCE Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

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