Patients of the new facility will benefit from increased detection rates,
    reduced wait times, and annual breast cancer screening for womenNEWMARKET, ON, May 14 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) announced today a
$300,000 donation to the Regional Cancer Program at Southlake. This
contribution to the 'Southlake... count on me' campaign helps bring the total
to within sight of the $60 million goal.
    "Southlake and this region are fortunate to have the support of CIBC, a
leader in community investment whose passion for improving cancer care is so
evident and inspiring," said Neila Poscente, President and CEO of the
Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation. "It is clear to us that CIBC is
very much a part of the communities it serves, and is committed to bringing
advanced and accessible cancer care to the thousands of York Region and South
Simcoe residents who will need it now or in the future."
    "Health is a pillar of our community investment program at CIBC, and we
are pleased that this donation will help make the Regional Cancer Program at
Southlake become a reality," said Stephen Forbes, CIBC's Senior Vice-President
of Communications and Public Affairs and board member of the Southlake
Regional Health Centre Foundation. "On opening, the Regional Cancer Program
will have the latest in cancer care technology, providing residents of York
Region and south Simcoe County with care close to home."
    In the last five years, CIBC has committed more than $23 million to
hospitals and research centres across Canada, including $5.5 million towards
breast cancer treatment and research.
    CIBC's contribution will be honoured with a plaque at the Diagnostics
Assessment Unit, which over the coming years will expand its diagnoses beyond
breast cancer to include other forms of cancer, such as prostate and
colorectal cancers.
    Southlake's Regional Cancer Program, scheduled to open in the fall, will
provide a full range of cancer services including screening, assessment,
surgery, chemotherapy, psychosocial and palliative care, clinical trials, and,
for the first time in the region, radiation treatment. Southlake says that the
spectrum of care will be a welcome change to cancer patients whose care has
been fragmented, where they receive some services at their community hospital
and having to travel regularly to Toronto hospitals for other life-saving
treatments, such as radiation therapy.
    Southlake says that it has already implemented vital cancer services
throughout the Hospital campus. The new Radiation Oncology Clinic is in
operation and is a signal to the community that access to life-saving cancer
care is already becoming a reality in the region. For the 60% of cancer
patients who need radiation treatment, the new Radiation Oncology Clinic means
that initial consultations and follow up appointments with radiation
oncologists are happening here at Southlake, thereby cutting down on trips to
Toronto. Southlake has also launched a free shuttle service to Princess
Margaret Hospital for radiation appointments, relieving patients of the burden
of arranging daily travel.
    While the campaign's $60 million goal is in sight, with incredible
generosity from individuals and corporations like CIBC, Southlake says it
still has a challenge ahead.
    "We are confident that all of the communities to be served by the
Regional Cancer Program, throughout York Region and south Simcoe County, will
appreciate the value this life-saving service will bring to all of us," said
Ms. Poscente. "Given that almost one in two of us will receive a cancer
diagnosis in our lifetimes, we should all want to ensure that we have the best
cancer care right here, close to home."

    Southlake Regional Health Centre is a full-service regional hospital
located in Newmarket, and, because of its many specialty programs, serves an
area from southern York Region to Muskoka. The only non-teaching hospital in
Ontario to specialize in both cancer and cardiac care and to offer five
regional programs, Southlake has earned a reputation as a healthcare leader by
performing leading-edge procedures including a recent world-first cardiac
treatment.

    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.