TORONTO, Oct 4 /CNW/ - On Sunday, October 3, 15,000 CIBC employees, their families and friends proudly took part in the 19th annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. The members of Team CIBC were among 170,000 Canadians participating in the event held in more than 60 communities across the country, raising $33 million for breast cancer research, treatment and care.

Early estimates show that Team CIBC contributed more than $3 million through pledges and fundraising events in support of the Run for the Cure, as well as proceeds from the 2010 CIBC Pink Collection^TM.

"Our employees are passionate about this cause, which affects far too many Canadians," said Sonia Baxendale, President, CIBC Retail Markets. "Each year, along with their families and friends, CIBC employees participate in the Run as part of Team CIBC. With their support, including volunteering, fundraising, supporting the CIBC Pink Collection and taking part in the Run for the Cure, CIBC has raised $26 million for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation since 1992."

"The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is so proud of the strong partnership we have developed with CIBC as title sponsor of the Run for the Cure," said Dr. Ralph Strother, Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation national board. "The enthusiastic dedication of Team CIBC allows the Foundation to continue funding research that is making real change happen for those affected by breast cancer in support of our vision of creating a future without breast cancer."

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure
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.