Funds provide more homework clubs that kids love in six Canadian cities

TORONTO, Nov. 26 /CNW/ - More kids in cities from coast to coast are getting after-school help from more tutors thanks to CIBC's donation to Frontier College that includes support for its homework club program that has been assisting Canadian children since 1984.

These homework clubs are being conducted in Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Vancouver, where more than 725 kids are benefitting from the personalized assistance from 425 volunteers.

Today, CIBC announced its three-year commitment to provide Frontier College Foundation with $75,000 a year for a total of $225,000. These funds are helping hundreds of kids get extra help to succeed in the classroom from volunteer tutors.

"The children tell us they love these homework clubs and the tutors get a great deal of satisfaction knowing they're helping young people develop better literacy and learning skills," said Sherry Campbell, President, Frontier College. "Parents from high needs communities often struggle to give their kids the enrichment they need. This support will help break the cycle of intergenerational low literacy."

At homework clubs, students meet one-to-one with volunteer tutors to read books, write stories, do homework, play word games - activities that will improve the reading, writing and numeracy abilities of the students. Tutors and students meet at least once a week outside of the classroom.

"Homework clubs not only promote the growth and development of students, but also increase their self-esteem and provide them with much needed mentors," added Campbell.

"CIBC has a long and proud history supporting Frontier College and the work it does to enhance literacy skills," said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC's President and Chief Executive Officer and an active member of the college's board of directors. "We are pleased to make this gift today to support their homework club program. CIBC is committed to helping youth achieve their full potential. In 2009, we invested more than $7 million to hundreds of organizations in communities across the country to benefit young people."

About Frontier College

Literacy is an essential skill in today's world. At Frontier College, we believe it's a fundamental right. Low literacy skills are directly linked to poverty, poor health and high unemployment. Over 40 percent of adult Canadians have trouble with everyday tasks that involve reading. That's millions of Canadians who are not reaching their potential. Through a network of thousands of volunteers, Frontier College is helping people to realize their potential and seize the opportunities that come their way.

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 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