Employees' fundraising efforts and commitment to volunteering helps United Way agencies build strong, vibrant communities

TORONTO, Jan. 17 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) - CIBC employees and retirees have once again given generously of their time and money to support United Way of Canada - Centraide Canada. In support of the 2010 campaign, $7.9 million is being contributed to United Ways and Centraides across Canada, including a $3.2 million corporate donation.

"Each year, our employees and retirees step up to make a real difference in our communities by helping those who need it most," said Gerry McCaughey, CIBC's President and Chief Executive Officer. "From raising awareness through our national Client Appreciation Day focused on United Way, to organizing fundraising events and making personal donations, our employees once again made a commitment to making a difference. CIBC and our employees are proud to support the important work United Ways and Centraides carry out in Canada each and every day to make our communities stronger."

For more than 45 years, CIBC, and its employees and retirees have supported United Ways and Centraides in Canada to help create healthier, more vibrant communities for families to live, work and raise their children.

"Thank you, CIBC, for your continued generosity and leadership in supporting our national Movement with this gift. 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 Canadians when they need it most."

United Way of Canada - Centraide Canada (UWC-CC) is a national organization providing leadership and support for more than 100 United Ways - Centraides across 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 Canadian United Ways and Centraides, we are investing in the social and economic development of communities across the country. In 2010, CIBC group of companies contributed $33.7 million to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com/communitymatters

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