Employee and his son compelled by personal experience to inspire Peewee hockey players to take action at Toronto event

TORONTO, June 15, 2011 /CNW/ - This Father's Day weekend will be a memorable one for CIBC employee Art Mannarn, Executive Vice President, Business Support and Strategic Initiatives, as he celebrates the achievement of his 12-year-old son, Mark, in leading a local youth-driven fundraiser.

Inspired to make a difference after losing his grandmother to cancer and now watching his mother battle the disease, Mark Mannarn established Minor Hockey Fights Cancer, 'Feel Like a Pro Day', which encourages kids aged 6-16 to raise at least $200 each for the Canadian Cancer Society. Registered kids participate in professional hockey practices with former NHLers Paul Coffey and Dale Hawerchuk.

"I am grateful for the support of employees at CIBC, including my Dad," says Mark. "Our family has participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure, a really motivating event. It's great that a group of kids can also band together to help fight for a cure - doing a sport we love."

"We are inspired by Mark's leadership and making this event accessible to other youth," says Geoff Belsher, Group Co-Head of Wholesale Banking at CIBC, "CIBC is pleased to make a contribution of $200 for each of 60 kids from economically-challenged neighbourhoods so that they may also participate."

CIBC is making a $12,000 donation to the Canadian Cancer Society that will cover the participant fees for Minor Hockey Fights Cancer 'Feel like a Pro Day' for kids from local community groups, Right to Play and Hockey Education Reaching Out Society, long-time charitable partner of the CIBC Children's Foundation.

About CIBC

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 2010, CIBC group of companies contributed approximately $34 million to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com.