Donating $2,500 to the Fraser Canyon Hospice Courtyard Project

    HOPE, BC, May 20 /CNW/ - CIBC showed its appreciation to its clients
today with an open house and giveaways throughout the day as part of the 50th
anniversary celebrations of the CIBC Hope branch at 413 Wallace St. Clients
are also able to relive the past this week by viewing a display of banking
memorabilia and a video of images from years gone by, entitled "A Blast from
the Past."
    To mark the anniversary, CIBC presented the Fraser Valley Hospice with a
cheque today for $2,500 to help fund the development of pathways, a courtyard
with flowers, trees, benches and a water fountain for both the inner and outer
courtyards of the Fraser Hope Lodge.
    "We have faced some funding challenges since the budget for finishing the
central courtyard, landscaping, as well as a walking area for the residents of
the new 30-bed addition to The Fraser Hope Lodge was cut," said
Claudia Cojocar, a Courtyard Project committee member. "The courtyard had to
be finished properly so we set about raising funds to complete this worthwhile
project. This generous donation from the CIBC Hope branch will help to
complete the Courtyard Project and enhance the quality of life for the hospice
residents."
    "It has been an honour and a privilege to provide financial services to
our clients since 1958," said Juanita Alexander, CIBC Hope Branch Manager
since 1999. "We look forward to being a contributing part of the community for
many years to come. We are pleased to make this donation today to the
Fraser Valley Hospice, which plays such a vital role in our community. What
makes hospice care unique is that it provides comfort and support not only to
those who are living with a life-limiting illness but their families as well."
    It was on May 20, 1958 when the Canadian Bank of Commerce opened the
doors of the Hope branch on Wallace Street at 4th Avenue to serve residents in
Hope as well Fraser Canyon communities such as Yale and Boston Bar. The branch
was re-branded to CIBC on June 1, 1961 when the Imperial Bank of Canada and
The Canadian Bank of Commerce merged to form the Canadian Imperial Bank of
Commerce.
    CIBC in Hope also has been a supporter of other community organizations,
including the Hope & District Recreation Centre, the Annual Fraser Canyon
Hospital Auxiliary Silent Auction and the Annual Hope Rotary Auction.
    "CIBC believes in giving back to the communities where we live and work,"
said Alexander, who was recognized today for her 25 years of continuous
service to CIBC. "We are proud of the role played by our company and our
employees in supporting important community organizations that serve Hope and
the Fraser Valley."

    CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with nearly
11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC offers a full range of
products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network,
branches and offices across Canada, in the United States and around the world.
You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press
Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.