TORONTO, Dec. 18 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX; NYSE) - CIBC announced today that
its employees raised $3.1 million for children's charities in Canada on CIBC
World Markets Miracle Day, December 3, 2008.
    Every year since 1984, on the first Wednesday in December, CIBC World
Markets sales and trading staff and CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors have
donated their fees and commissions to support children. Over the past 24
years, Miracle Day has raised more than $44 million in Canada.
    "Our employees and our clients once again delivered for children across
the country," says Richard Nesbitt, Chairman and CEO, CIBC World Markets. "For
Miracle Day to be one of our busiest trading days of the year in these tough
market conditions demonstrates how important children's charities are not only
to our employees but to our clients.
    "By trading with us on Miracle Day our clients made sure that thousands
of children in Canada will have a brighter 2009. The $3.1 million will be
distributed to hundreds of children's charities including: children's
hospitals; health research; emergency shelters; counseling; education and
recreational opportunities; meal programs; and special programs for children
in need."
    Valerie McMurtry, President and CEO of the Bloorview Kids Foundation
notes that the funds her organization receives from Miracle Day help thousands
of children and youth with disabilities realize their potential and become
active and independent participants in their community. "Bloorview Kids
Foundation is truly grateful to be one of the recipients of CIBC World Markets
Miracle Day. Kids with disabilities have many special needs beyond basic
healthcare. The gift from the CIBC World Markets Children's Foundation enables
independence training, mentoring and respite care for families."
    Over the past three years, Bloorview has received $300,000 from the CIBC
World Markets Children's Foundation.
    On the first Wednesday of December every year, CIBC World Markets sales
and trading professionals and CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisors help create
miracles for children through Miracle Day. On this day, fees and commissions
are donated to charities dedicated to improving the health, well-being and
education of children. Since its inception in 1984, more than $190 million has
been raised to benefit children in our communities globally.

    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