CIBC says "Thank You" to clients by making a difference in their communities

HALIFAX, Nov. 3 /CNW/ - On Friday, November 5, CIBC will donate $68,000 to local United Ways across Atlantic Canada as part of CIBC National Client Appreciation Day. Clients across the region are invited to their local CIBC branch to celebrate the important work United Way and its agencies are doing in our communities. 

The events will feature refreshments and an exciting contest for guests with a chance to win a $500 charitable donation from CIBC to a qualified registered charity. In many branches, local organizations that benefit from United Way funding, such as the YWCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Kids Help Phone, will take part in cheque presentations on behalf of United Way.

"At CIBC, we believe in making a difference in our communities," said Terry Gardiner, Vice-President, CIBC Retail Markets, Atlantic. "The United Way touches so many lives across the region. CIBC Client Appreciation Day is our way of saying "Thank You" to our clients and giving back to the communities where we live and work."

As part of the celebration on Friday, every CIBC branch will present a special $1,000 donation to their local United Way on behalf of CIBC employees and clients as part of a total donation of $68,000 to United Way in Atlantic Canada.

"CIBC is a long-standing and significant supporter of United Ways across Canada," said Al Hatton, President and CEO, United Way of Canada -- Centraide Canada.  "The contributions CIBC and its employees are making to local United Ways in Atlantic Canada are very important to us, and are making a real difference to improving lives for everyone in our communities."

In 2009, CIBC and its employees and retirees donated $7.3 million to United Ways across Canada.

About CIBC

CIBC 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, $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.

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.