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

TORONTO, Nov. 29, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) today announced University of Toronto student Caroline Cormier as the top Ontario 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.

York University students Simona Flumian and Psalm Cheung, and Queen's University student Poonam Batra were also named among the top 10 national fundraisers.

"Congratulations to all four of these community-minded students from Ontario for their 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 them with awards of $10,000 each to help them with their post-secondary studies."

The four Ontario students are among 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. Additionally, CIBC recognized the University of Toronto as the top fundraising school nationally.

"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."

"Breast cancer has affected so many of the women in my life," said Ms. Cormier. "It was witnessing their strength and perseverance that inspired me to get involved with this important cause. Participating in this year's Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure was such an incredible opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to the invaluable programs offered by the Foundation and, ultimately, to a future without breast cancer.

"I was absolutely delighted to find out that I was one of the recipients for this year's CIBC Education Awards. I hope that my fundraising efforts will encourage other university students to get involved with the cause next year and to set the bar even higher. I strongly believe that our generation has a responsibility to take action now to create meaningful change for the future."

"It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm and participation from so many universities across the province. Congratulations to University of Toronto's Caroline Cormier who showcased her spirited dedication to such an important cause.  Her contributions will help fuel our efforts as a Foundation to invest in the most promising breast cancer research, education and advocacy initiatives that will one day lead to a future without breast cancer," said Sandra Palmaro, CEO Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region.

"We also wish to extend our gratitude to CIBC for their incredible support as title sponsor and for providing the scholarship funding in support of the Post Secondary Challenge program." added Palmaro.

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.