Guests can enter to win an LG 37" LCD TV or a $1,000 GIC; donation to Big
    Brothers Big Sisters of Ajax-Pickering to mark occasion

AJAX, ON, Nov. 6 /CNW/ - Tomorrow, Canadian hockey legend Wendel Clark will help celebrate the grand opening of the new 5,600 square-foot, six-day CIBC Durham Centre Banking Centre. The new state-of-the-art branch is located on the north side of Kingston Road, just west of Salem Road in Ajax and offers clients service in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Clark will be on-site to meet fans and sign autographs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and guests can enjoy a barbecue and refreshments and enter to win great prizes like an LG 37" LCD TV or a $1,000 GIC. There will also be free CIBC hockey pucks and lots of family fun, including a bouncy castle, an interactive Wii centre, caricaturist, balloon animals, face painters and blow up hockey.

"We're thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of our newest banking centre in Ajax with the community as we continue to invest in providing CIBC clients with greater flexibility, access and choice in their banking," said Larry Tomei, CIBC's Senior Vice-President of Retail Markets for Central Ontario.

The branch hours of operation are:

        Monday - Wednesday:     9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
        Thursday - Friday:      9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
        Saturday:               9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

To mark the occasion, CIBC will make a $5,000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ajax-Pickering. For over 35 years Big Brothers and Sisters of Ajax-Pickering has been providing life-changing opportunities for children and youth in the community. Mentorship programs give young people the chance to develop essential communication and problem-solving skills, self-esteem and confidence, and perhaps most importantly a lasting friendship with a positive adult role model. The volunteer mentors offer stability, guidance, and support to vulnerable and "at risk" young people at a pivotal time in their lives.

"We are grateful for this generous support and applaud CIBC for its commitment to youth and the community. This donation will help us in achieving our vision to ensure that every child in Ajax and Pickering who needs a mentor has a mentor," said Melanie Stewart, Executive Director, Big Brothers and Sisters of Ajax-Pickering.

The new branch is barrier free with accessibility features such as a sit down teller station and three Automated Banking Machines (ABMs) installed at wheelchair accessible height with headphone jacks for audio access; grab bars for mobility assistance; and brighter lighting.

With 1069 branches, CIBC has one of the largest branch networks in Canada. The new Ajax location is part of a five-year strategic plan to build, relocate and expand over 70 new branches across Canada to offer clients greater flexibility, access and choice.

CIBC clients also benefit from access to more than 3,800 automated bank machines, and 24/7 service over the phone and on Canada's leading online banking site, www.cibc.com.

CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) 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, and has offices 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.