CIBC celebrates July 28th Client Appreciation Day by reminding people of the importance of breast cancer awareness

VANCOUVER, July 27, 2011 /CNW/ - On July 28th, CIBC branches across Canada will turn pink as part of CIBC National Client Appreciation Day celebrations, to remind Canadians of the importance of breast cancer screening and to mark the bank's 15th anniversary as title sponsor of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

"On National Client Appreciation Day we want to not only say 'thank you' to our clients for their business and for their tremendous support of this cause, but also to encourage all eligible women to get screened," said Christina Kramer, CIBC's Executive Vice-President and the bank's National Run Champion. "We've seen tremendous advances in the detection and treatment of breast cancer in the past 15 years, but there is still much work to be done.

"This is a cause that's very close to our hearts, because breast cancer affects so many of our clients, colleagues and loved ones. The good news is that today more people are surviving to share their stories, thanks to more women and men being screened and to improved treatments."

Participation in organized breast cancer screening programs is considered a key factor in improving survival rates, yet according to the most recent data*, only 54 per cent of eligible BC women are getting screened. Despite the enormous advances and survival rates which have increased by 35 per cent in the past 25 years, breast cancer remains the most common cancer in Canadian women, affecting 1 in 9 women during their lifetimes.

Each year, as nearly 170,000 Canadians take part in the CIBC Run for the Cure, more and more BC women and men are heeding the message that getting screened can help to save and prolong their lives by potentially detecting breast cancer earlier.

Last year the CIBC Run for the Cure raised more than $33 million to help the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation fund breast cancer research, education, and advocacy programs to help those who are living with breast cancer and their families. More than 13,000 CIBC employees, friends and family participated in the event.

"I am so proud to be part of Team CIBC and represent my colleagues and my community as a Run Champion for Victoria," said Karen Ringstead, a CIBC District Branch Manager. "I have participated and volunteered for the cause since the CIBC Run for the Cure started here, as breast cancer has affected not 1 but 3 generations in my family: my great grandmother, grandmother, my great aunt, and my Mom. To date my mom, who has challenged cancer on two occasions, is the longest living survivor in our family...and she is only 66! I am very passionate about finding a cure to this disease so that not only the women in my family but all women can live a long healthy life."

"We are proud of the longstanding support of CIBC employees and clients. With Team CIBC's continued commitment, the Foundation is able to continue funding vital research and reaching out to Canadians through education and awareness programs. This work includes advocating for increased access to breast cancer screening where barriers still exist. We encourage Canadians to follow Team CIBC's example and join the national movement to create a future without breast cancer," said Talea Pecora, Director, Run for the Cure, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - BC/Yukon Region.

CIBC's National Client Appreciation day activities include a contest for a chance to win a $500 Run Prize Pack. Anyone who registers for the 2011 CIBC Run for the Cure online between July 28 and August 31 using a special code available at CIBC branches will be automatically entered into the contest. As a special "Thank You', clients who register on July 28 using the code, will get two chances to win.

CIBC will also officially launch its 2011 CIBC Pink CollectionTM in its branches on Client Appreciation Day. All net proceeds from the sale of these products go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Last year the Collection raised over $1.55 million. See the CIBC Pink Collection at cibc.com/cibcpinkcollection.

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 support of creating a future without breast cancer. In 2010, close to 170,000 participants raised $33 million to fund innovative breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. On Sunday, October 2, 2011, this national movement will connect participants and volunteers in 59 communities across the country to support our vision of creating a future without breast cancer. For more information, visit www.cbcf.org.

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 2010, $33.7 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 - 25 Years of Progress
For the last 25 years, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has been at the forefront of a nation-wide movement to raise awareness and mobilize action on breast cancer. Today, the Foundation is the leading organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Since 1986, from coast to coast, we have invested over $230 million to fund vital research, education and health promotion programs that have led progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Visit cbcf.org and join the movement.

* Source: Screening Mammography Program of BC and the 2020 Task Force Working Groups, Dr. Paula Gordon.