Donation will help fund vital equipment for coordinated care and shorter waiting times for cancer patients

OAKVILLE, ON, Sept. 17, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX) (CM: NYSE) announced today a $500,000 donation to the Oakville Hospital Foundation in to help build the new Oakville Hospital.

"CIBC is committed to research, treatment and services to improve cancer care for people across the country," said Larry Tomei, CIBC's Senior Vice-President of Retail and Business Banking for Central Canada. "Cancer touches all of us in some way and breast cancer is a cause especially close to our hearts at CIBC. We are pleased to work with a key community partner like the Oakville Hospital Foundation to improve cancer care for people in Oakville and surrounding communities."

CIBC's donation was presented to Tina Triano, CEO of the Oakville Hospital Foundation, at the grand opening celebration of the bank's new 6,400 square foot CIBC Dundas and Postmaster Banking Centre, located across the road from the site of the new hospital. Ms. Triano was joined by Dr. Robert Yu, Chief, Halton Health Services Diagnostic Imaging Department as well as CIBC employees and clients.

CIBC's donation will help fund vital equipment to support improved and coordinated care for cancer patients, from early detection to diagnosis and treatment, specifically within the new Hospital's Diagnostic Imaging Unit. In recognition of CIBC's commitment to cancer care, the hospital will name the patient reception area as the CIBC Diagnostic Imaging Reception.

"CIBC's generous donation will enable us to build and equip a new hospital that will provide our patients with better access and more advanced diagnostic imaging technology right here in their own community," said Ms. Triano. "We are thrilled to partner with such a well-known champion and corporate leader for cancer research, support and services, in bringing much needed quality care close to home."

"Advanced imaging provided by CT scanners, MRI equipment, digital mammography as well as other modalities in our department, are vital, non-invasive diagnostic tools that play a key role in enhancing our ability to provide for the medical needs of our community," explained Dr. Yu. "The generous support from CIBC will help us purchase the essential equipment we require to provide the best possible care to our patients."

The new facility will provide much-needed diagnostic services for patients in Oakville and surrounding area. It is anticipated that the number of patients able to receive these tests will double by 2018 and nearly triple by 2024.

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 Oakville Hospital Foundation
The Oakville Hospital Foundation is partnering with the community to fund essential equipment for Oakville's Hospital to enable high quality patient care. The generous support from the community is needed to help the Foundation achieve its $60 million campaign goal.