Helping children to improve their ability to focus, learn and succeed in
    school

    VANCOUVER, May 9 /CNW/ - Hundreds of downtown east side school children
will start today with a full stomach, thanks to the ongoing commitment of CIBC
employees in Vancouver. Today's breakfast is particularly special with
children treating their parents and caregivers to breakfast in honour of
Mother's Day.
    Since 2002, CIBC and its employees have donated more than $1.2 million to
the Vancouver Public Schools Foundation in a partnership that started with the
breakfast program and which has grown to serve more than 400 children in five
schools throughout the school year.
    "We want these kids to succeed," said Tom Porteous, an Investment Advisor
in CIBC's Bentall Centre branch. "For many of these kids, breakfast at home
isn't an option. The breakfast program not only ensures that they receive a
good start to the day but also a warm, safe place to eat, catch up on homework
and connect with friends and teachers. That gives them a much better chance to
succeed in school and in life."
    From early beginnings with the Hot Breakfast Program, CIBC's support has
expanded to include other initiatives, such as Kidsafe, Respect Safety and
Violence (RSVP), and Home Instruction for Parents of Pre-Schoolers (HIPPY)
which are all aimed to improve the health, safety and esteem of students in
the city's downtown east side.
    "CIBC and its employees have given so much to the kids in our
neighbourhoods," says Clarence Hansen, Chairperson of the Board of School
Trustees, Vancouver School Board. "Donations from the CIBC World Markets
Children's Foundation allow us to provide over 75,000 breakfasts to these
children every year. Community programs such as this are essential in a
neighbourhood such as ours. We know that when children receive a proper
breakfast their attendance and grades improve, they are more attentive in
class, and potential health issues are reduced."
    CIBC also makes a difference in Vancouver's lower mainland through
support of a number of other organizations and community programs, including
the YMCA and H.E.R.O.S.
    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, United Way and the CIBC World Markets Children's Miracle
Foundation, we are investing in the social and economic development of
communities across the country. In 2007, CIBC group of companies contributed
more than $36 million worldwide to charitable organizations and community
initiatives. Of this, $27 million was invested in Canada to support national
regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com/pas