TORONTO, Sept. 6, 2011 /CNW/ - This year a number of high-profile Canadian celebrities are lending their star-power to CIBC's 2011 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure campaign, joining the 170,000 Canadians who participate to support a cause that is important to them. ET Canada's Rosey Edeh, Canadian actress Lisa Ray and Olympic medalists Catriona Le May Doan, Cheryl Pounder and Heather Davis are featured in CIBC's ads encouraging Canadians to register for the event on Sunday, October 2.

"We are thrilled that these high profile Canadian women are lending their names and celebrity status to the CIBC Run for the Cure to help continue to build awareness for this very important cause," said Veni Iozzo, CIBC's Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Strategy.

"With breast cancer impacting the lives of so many Canadians, including our colleagues, clients and loved ones, CIBC is very proud this year to mark our 15th Anniversary as title sponsor of the CIBC Run for the Cure. Last year's event raised a record $33 million dollars to support the Foundation's vision of creating a future without breast cancer."

Rosey Edeh, one of the hosts of Entertainment Tonight Canada and a three-time Olympian, is running to raise awareness and to inspire others to run as well. Rosey has signed on to promote the CIBC Run for the Cure and, in addition to being featured in CIBC's ads, will be encouraging her fellow hosts and celebrity friends to participate.

Well-known Bollywood actress, Lisa Ray, who lives in Toronto and has also been featured in mainstream movies like the Oscar-nominated film Water, has personally been affected by cancer. Lisa is lending her support to CIBC's print and online marketing campaign.

Olympic bronze medalist Heather Davis is running for her best friend's mom. Heather, a CIBC Marketing Director who earned a bronze medal in the women's coxed eights final at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, is featured on CIBC branch posters and print ads. Heather will also participate in CIBC's official Think Pink Week employee kick off event at Commerce Court on September 13.

"The Run for the Cure is very important to me because my best friend lost her mom - Diane - to breast cancer," said Heather. "I run each year to honour her memory and to raise funds so that one day we can achieve a future without breast cancer."

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Catriona Le May Doan, who won back-to-back gold medals in the 500 metre speed skating event at the Nagano and Salt Lake City Olympics, is running so her young daughter Greta won't have to. Catriona is featured in CIBC's billboard, print and online ads.

Cheryl Pounder, who won back-to-back gold medals in women's hockey at Salt Lake City and Torino, is running for her mom, a breast cancer survivor. Cheryl is featured in CIBC's print ads.

"My Mother was diagnosed with breast cancer over 13 years ago. I watched her brave journey through treatment and the courage she showed coming out of it," said Cheryl. "She is my hero...she worked full time through full blown chemotherapy and radiation.  My message to others is to have the courage to fight this disease, and my hope is that my daughters and their Mommy won't be affected by it."

Heather, Cheryl and Rosey will be joining CIBC on Run day in Toronto this year on Sunday, October 2 and Catriona will be running in her hometown of Calgary.

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: "Heather Davis, Olympic Rower Bronze Medalist, CIBC Employee (CNW Group/CIBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20110906_C8694_PHOTO_EN_2823.jpg

Image with caption: "Cheryl Pounder, Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Women's Hockey (CNW Group/CIBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20110906_C8694_PHOTO_EN_2824.jpg

Image with caption: "Rosey Edeh, Senior Reporter, Entertainment Tonight Canada (CNW Group/CIBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20110906_C8694_PHOTO_EN_2825.jpg

Image with caption: "Catriona Le May Doan, O.C., Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Speed Skating (CNW Group/CIBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20110906_C8694_PHOTO_EN_2826.jpg

Image with caption: "Lisa Ray, Actress, Cancer Graduate (CNW Group/CIBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20110906_C8694_PHOTO_EN_2827.jpg