CALGARY, March 1 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX; NYSE) today announced $300,000 in
additional donations to community programs in Calgary.
    "Calgary is a very important market for CIBC. In addition to the ongoing
investments we are making in our business to further our focus and support of
our clients in Calgary and the province of Alberta, CIBC is also committed to
investing in communities where we live and work," said Curtis Stange, Vice
President, Retail Distribution, Alberta Market, CIBC. "These organizations are
engaged in important activities that will benefit Calgary residents and build
on the many other community investments CIBC has made in both the city and the
province."
    CIBC will contribute $100,000 to each of the following:-  Alberta Ecotrust Foundation - CIBC's support will assist Alberta
       Ecotrust in building partnerships that enable positive environmental
       action and impacts at the community level. This organization brings
       industry and environmental groups together in the unique collaborative
       role of grantmaker and capacity builder, helping grassroots groups
       implement innovative and meaningful projects across Alberta.

    -  Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Calgary and Area - This funding will
       significantly impact Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary's ability
       to support more children and youth to live active and healthy lives
       through the expansion of the Recreation Mentorship Program with the
       YMCA and other community services.

    -  Youville Residence Society of Alberta - CIBC's support will assist
       Youville Women's Residence in meeting the physical, emotional, and
       spiritual needs of women seeking healing from violence, addiction, and
       mental health distress by participation in counselling and programming
       in a unique residential setting. Youville Women's Residence is a
       vibrant, dynamic model of holistic healing, growth and empowerment for
       these women and their families.

    In 2006, CIBC contributed to more than 75 community organizations in
Calgary including:

    -  Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre
    -  Alberta Cancer Foundation
    -  Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation
    -  Alberta Easter Seals March of Dimes
    -  Alberta Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society
    -  Between Friends Club
    -  Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary
    -  Calgary Drop-In Centre Society
    -  Calgary Learning Centre
    -  Child Friendly Calgary
    -  For the Love of Children of Alberta
    -  Habitat for Humanity - Calgary
    -  The Impact Society for Children
    -  Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta
    -  Kids Help Phone
    -  Kids Up Front Foundation
    -  Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta
    -  Ronald McDonald House
    -  Society for Treatment of Autism
    -  Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
    -  United Way of Calgary and AreaIn addition, Alberta represents a rapidly growing part of CIBC's
operations. In retail banking, CIBC expects to open, expand or relocate
15 branches in the province in the next five years.

    CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to its clients,
employees and communities. CIBC aims to make a difference in communities the
bank calls home through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer
spirit of employees. With a focus on youth, education and health, and employee
commitment to causes including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run
for the Cure, the United Way and the CIBC World Markets Children's Foundation,
CIBC is investing in the social and economic development of communities across
the country. In 2006, the CIBC group of companies contributed more than
$36 million globally to charitable and non-profit initiatives. Of this,
$28 million was invested in Canada to support national, regional and local
organizations.