Funds will support family-centered program to benefit people experiencing
    mood disordersTORONTO, May 4 /CNW/ - For individuals experiencing mood disorders, the
close support of family and friends is a key factor in their recovery,
according to the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO). With a
three-year, $150,000 commitment from CIBC, MDAO now has the funding to move
ahead with a new 'Family and Friends: Partners in Recovery' program that will
enhance this positive effect for people with mood disorders who seek and
receive appropriate diagnosis, treatment and support. The funds will also
support MDAO's annual fundraising gala, 'Mad About You'.
    "We are very grateful to CIBC for their generosity and understanding of
how very difficult it is for families and friends to help someone who has a
mood disorder," said Karen Liberman, Executive Director of MDAO. "Our 'Family
and Friends' program will provide family members and friends with the
education and tools they need to deal with their loved one's condition so that
they can support them in a meaningful way."
    'Family and Friends' will ultimately benefit those with mood disorders.
The family-centered program will increase family members' understanding and
knowledge; increase parent, teacher and student awareness of mood disorders;
and improve access to factual information by developing and distributing
plain-language resources.
    "Mental illness is real and more prevalent in society than many of us
realize," said Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President, CIBC Retail
Markets. "We are pleased to be able to support the Mood Disorders Association
of Ontario and the important work they are doing. For CIBC, supporting the
health and well-being of our employees and Canadians is one of the ways we
invest in our communities across the country. To this end, we have committed
more than $2 million in the past three years to support organizations focused
on mental health."

    About Mood Disorders Association of Ontario

    One in five people will experience a mood disorder (depression or bipolar
disorder) in their lifetime. The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario (MDAO)
is dedicated to helping them and their families... with care, compassion,
respect and equity. To learn more about the MDAO and the Annual Inspiration
Awards visit www.mooddisorders.on.ca or call us toll-free at 1-888-486-8236.

    About CIBC

    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