TORONTO, Oct. 3, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX) (CM: NYSE) - On Sunday, October 2, 13,000 CIBC employees, their families and friends, proudly took part in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure as part of Team CIBC. This year, CIBC marks its 15^th anniversary as title sponsor of the event, which brings together more than 170,000 Canadians annually in nearly 60 communities across the country to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, treatment and care.

Early estimates show that Team CIBC contributed $3 million to the total of more than $30 million raised this year. CIBC raised money from pledges and fundraising events in support of the CIBC Run for the Cure, as well as through proceeds from the 2011 CIBC Pink Collection^TM.

"Breast cancer is a cause that's very close to our hearts at CIBC, because it impacts so many Canadians, including our clients, colleagues and loved ones," said Christina Kramer, CIBC's Executive Vice-President and the bank's National Run Champion. "We've covered a lot of ground in our 15 years as title sponsor of the CIBC Run for the Cure and we continue to be very committed to supporting the Foundation's initiatives, which not only fund research but also build awareness of the importance of breast cancer screening."

"For 25 years, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has made a significant impact to reduce the burden of breast cancer by funding research, education and advocacy initiatives.," said Dr. Ralph Strother, Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation national board. "The determination of Team CIBC and all Run for the Cure participants inspires our commitment to continue funding the brightest and best minds addressing areas such as prevention, early detection, improved treatment and after care support. We are proud of CIBC's longstanding partnership and for the dedicated support of Team CIBC volunteers and participants."

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.