Corporate donations and the generosity of CIBC clients and employees
    contributes $5.5 million since 1995 to support the growing needs of the
    hospitalVANCOUVER, June 9 /CNW/ - CIBC is pleased to announce that the bank's
clients and employees throughout BC and the Yukon have raised $405,000 during
the 2009 BC Children's Hospital Fundraising Campaign, with funds still coming
in. This brings the total amount raised since 1995 by CIBC's clients and
employees through the annual fundraising campaign for the BC Children's
Hospital Foundation (BCCHF) to $4.2 million, building on $1.3 million in
corporate donations from CIBC.
    Since March, more than 4,000 employees in BC and the Yukon have conducted
a variety of fundraising initiatives to support the growing needs of the
hospital. These include dinner dances, barbeques, raffles, Slo-pitch games,
bake sales, car washes, hot dog sales, book sales, basket raffles and garage
sales.
    Sunday, June 7th marked the BC Children's Hospital Miracle Weekend
Telethon and the finale of the three-month campaign, where CIBC presented the
$405,000 raised through the generosity of its clients and employees to the
hospital.
    "CIBC and its employees have always been strong supporters of BC
Children's Hospital and we are grateful for their contributions," said Sue
Carruthers, President and CEO of BC Children's Hospital Foundation. "The funds
that we receive from CIBC are critical to ensuring the hospital has updated
equipment and that caregivers and researchers have the resources they need to
care for our children. CIBC, its clients and employees have been making a
difference in the lives of BC's sick and injured children for many years.
Their generous support has helped transform BC Children's Hospital into one of
North America's leading pediatric hospitals and the largest full-service child
health centre in Canada, serving one million children in BC and the Yukon."
    "These impressive results are truly a reflection of the hard work and
passion of our employees across BC and the Yukon and the generosity of our
clients year after year," said Wendy Slavin, Senior Vice-President, Retail
Distribution, Western Region, who was the Chair of the BCCHF from 2006 to
2008. "Some have personally experienced care at BCCH with their own children
and others are inspired by stories from colleagues, friends and family. We all
understand that research and the latest technology and equipment really does
have an impact on a child's care."

    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 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 non-profit 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