CIBC invites Canadians to share their reason for participating in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure

TORONTO, Aug. 5 /CNW/ - Every year at the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, approximately 170,000 Canadians run or walk and raise funds to help create a future without breast cancer. Each one of them has a story to share about what - or who - inspires them. CIBC invites Canadians to share their reason for participating on cibcstoriesoftherun.com.

"CIBC is very committed to the vision to create a future without breast cancer. Each year our employees, our clients and thousands of other Canadians demonstrate their dedication to this cause by running, walking, volunteering and donating," said Sonia Baxendale, President of CIBC Retail Markets. "We know everyone has their own reason for participating and we'd like to share those stories. That's why we are asking Canadians to tell us what - or who - inspires them."

Many people shared their touching stories from the 2009 Run through CIBC's online forum. Here are just a few:

-   "On Tuesday March 24th, 2009 my Aunt Fern...underwent a double
        mastectomy...She continues to amaze me. My daughter...and I have been
        running now for 7 years. This year is even more important as I begin
        my journey with my Aunt, her daughter, sons and their wives to help
        support and fight breast cancer. This year we ran for Aunt Fern!"
        Debbie Collier, Toronto, ON.

    -   "My daughter and I have run for the last 10 years, of course I let
        her beat me every year! With two girls and my spouse in my family I
        hope for a Cure and wish this disease is soon history, without a
        chance to ever affect them." Mike Selci, Winnipeg, MB

    -   "I volunteer in memory of my Nana (who) was diagnosed with breast
        cancer in 1992. She was not only my grandmother, but also my
        godmother. There are many good reasons to get involved in the
        community, including learning something about yourself. I am blessed
        to work with a great committee on the Toronto Run Site. Together, we
        will find a cure to end breast cancer." Jeffrey Nold, Run Director,
        Toronto, ON.

For more information or to share stories, please visit cibcstoriesoftherun.com.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure

The 2010 Run will take place on Sunday, October 3. Since 1992, the annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure remains the largest, single-day, volunteer-led national event in Canada in support of breast cancer. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading national volunteer-led organization dedicated to a vision of creating a future without breast cancer. The Foundation works collaboratively to fund, support, and advocate for: relevant and innovative breast cancer research; meaningful education and awareness programs; early diagnosis and effective treatment; and a positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested $230 million towards innovative research, education and awareness programs. For more information, visit www.cbcf.org.

About CIBC

CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, 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, $26.8 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.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1986 by a group of volunteers and has become the leading national volunteer-led organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. The Foundation has invested $230 million since its inception to collaboratively fund, support and advocate for relevant and innovative breast cancer research, meaningful education and awareness programs, early diagnosis and effective treatment, and a positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer. Based in Toronto, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has regional offices in British Columbia/Yukon, Prairies/North West Territories, Ontario and the Atlantic Region. For more information about the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation please visit www.cbcf.org.