Post Secondary Challenge raises nearly $470,000 for breast cancer research

NANAIMO, BC, Nov. 29, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) today announced Vancouver Island University student Robyn Dimock as the top BC/Yukon Region fundraiser in the Post Secondary Challenge. The Challenge inspired Canada's college and university students to raise nearly $470,000 for breast cancer research, education, awareness and advocacy through the 2011 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

"Congratulations to Robyn for her commitment to raising funds for breast cancer," said Christina Kramer, CIBC Executive Vice-President and the bank's National Run Champion. "CIBC is thrilled to present Robyn with a $10,000 CIBC Education award to help her with her post secondary studies."

The Vancouver Island University student is one of 15 post secondary students from across Canada to receive the $10,000 CIBC Education Awards presented to the top 10 student fundraisers nationally and to the top student fundraiser in each of the five Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation regions.

"This year, as CIBC marked our 15^th anniversary as the title sponsor of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, we were very proud to present the Post Secondary Challenge in partnership with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation," added Ms. Kramer. "Our hope is to raise awareness of breast cancer among Canada's diverse student population, and motivate as many young people as possible to raise funds for a very important cause."

"I participated in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure because breast cancer is a disease that has affected members of my family," said Ms. Dimock. "My grandma was diagnosed twice with breast cancer and is an inspiring person with the strength she showed during her treatments. She is a survivor and has been cancer free since 2004. I wanted to raise money for this cause to help find a cure for this horrific disease that has affected so many.

"When I found out that I won the CIBC Education Award, I was in shock. It almost didn't feel like it was real. As I am in my fourth year of University, with one year left before achieving my Bachelor of Education, this money will help with tuition and books for these last two years of school. I am extremely grateful to be awarded a prize that is a part of such a great cause."

"Our congratulations go to Robyn for this great achievement and award, and our thanks for her commitment to a future without breast cancer," says Talea Pecora, Director, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - BC/Yukon Region. "And thank you to our title sponsor, CIBC, for building on our partnership with this exciting new initiative. It is so important to create awareness about breast cancer and breast health among young people and the Post Secondary Challenge is a great way to not only do just that, but also to increase the fundraising that supports the cause."

The Post Secondary Challenge encouraged students to participate in a way that was both meaningful and fun, while building awareness of the importance of taking steps to reduce the risk of breast cancer by leading healthy lifestyles.

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 2011, close to 170,000 participants raised $30 million to fund innovative breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. 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 Kids, Cures and Community, 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 $248 million to fund vital research and community health grants that have led progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Visit cbcf.org and join the movement.