$150,000 in CIBC Education Awards to recognize top student fundraisers

TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2011 /CNW/ - Today, CIBC and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation issued a challenge to Canada's college and university students to see who can raise the most money for breast cancer research, education, awareness and advocacy.

"CIBC is proud to mark our 15^th anniversary as the title sponsor of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure by launching the national Post Secondary Student Challenge," said Christina Kramer, CIBC's Executive Vice-President and the bank's National Run Champion. "CIBC will present 15 awards totaling $150,000 to the top student fundraisers across Canada to encourage participation in the CIBC Run for the Cure and raise funds for the Foundation's important breast cancer research."

The goal of the Post Secondary Student Challenge is to encourage students to participate in a way that is both meaningful and fun. The challenge will also build awareness of the importance of taking steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer by leading healthy lifestyles.

The kick-off of the Post Secondary Student Challenge took place this morning with representatives of CIBC and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation joined by a number of post secondary students ringing the opening bell of Toronto Stock Exchange.

"Last year, more than 170,000 Run for the Cure participants raised a record $33 million to support the Foundation's funding of programs that are making a difference in the lives of Canadians affected by breast cancer," said Diane Gordon, Vice President, National Development, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Central Office.  "By engaging young Canadians through the Post Secondary Challenge, we hope to educate our future leaders about breast cancer and the importance of supporting a cause that affects us all."

"I came to realize the true importance of the funds raised through the CIBC Run for the Cure when a long time family friend of mine was recently diagnosed with breast cancer," said Geoff Logan, a Ryerson University student and CIBC summer intern. "I challenge all fellow post secondary students to answer the call and get involved in the name of someone you know, for my friend or for future generations."

CIBC Education Awards of $10,000 each will be awarded to the top 10 student fundraisers nationally and to the top student fundraiser in each of the five Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation regions. Additionally, the top fundraising school participating in each region will be recognized with a plaque presented at the closing ceremonies of the CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 2.

The Post Secondary Challenge will launch on Canadian campuses August 29 in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

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.

Image with caption: "CIBC and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation representatives, joined by University of Toronto Chancellor, Honourable David Peterson, and a number of post secondary students, open trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange to officially kick-off the Post Secondary Student Challenge. (CNW Group/CIBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20110826_C6466_PHOTO_EN_2541.jpg