Supporting United Way for over 45 years to create stronger and healthier communities for families to live, work and raise their children

TORONTO, Jan. 19 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) - CIBC employees and retirees have once again opened their wallets to generously support United Way of Canada - Centraide Canada and its work towards improving the social conditions of Canadians. CIBC raised more than $7.2 million, including a $2.8 million corporate donation, for United Way in 2009.

"In challenging economic times like today, it's more important than ever to help support those who truly need it," said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Whether it is individual employees volunteering at United Way agencies, or a group of employees organizing an annual hockey tournament to raise funds, contributing to United Way makes a meaningful difference in peoples' lives, and makes our communities stronger and more vibrant."

CIBC, its employees and retirees have a long history of supporting United Way through their fundraising efforts and personal donations. Thousands of CIBC employees dedicate their time to this worthy cause.

"Thank you, CIBC, for your continued generosity and leadership in supporting United Way - Centraide with these contributions. It demonstrates CIBC's compassion and commitment to building better communities for everyone," said Al Hatton, President and Chief Executive Officer, of United Way of Canada - Centraide Canada. "More and more families and individuals are struggling to make ends meet in these challenging times. When we come together to help others, we also help ourselves. We are grateful for this contribution that is helping front line agencies meet urgent social needs all across Canada."

United Way of Canada - Centraide Canada (UWC-CC) is a national organization providing support for the 118 United Ways - Centraides across Canada. It acts as a voice for its members within the Canadian voluntary sector and internationally and provides leadership, programs and services to its members. Next to governments, the United Way - Centraide Movement is the largest funder of the voluntary sector and social services in Canada.

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 2009, almost $27 million was contributed through the CIBC group of companies to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada, supporting a wide variety of national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.communitymatters.cibc.com.