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

MONTREAL, Nov. 29, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) today announced Concordia University student Dalia Bosis as the top Quebec 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.

McGill University student Beatrice Britneff was also named among the top 10 national student fundraisers.

"Congratulations to Dalia and Beatrice 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 two Quebec 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.

"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."

"For five years now I have participated in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. I decided to try something new this year because breast cancer is a cause that is very important to me—and very close to my heart," said Ms. Bosis. "I know a few women fighting the multiple challenges of this terrible disease, and I consider myself very fortunate to be healthy.  Since I have strong fundraising skills—it's perhaps what I do best--I want to do my part to make a difference. It's really the very least that I can do.

"I was pleasantly shocked to find out that I had won the CIBC Education Award. I am so grateful and humbled to be rewarded for doing a good deed that I would have done anyway! I will definitely put this money to good use. Thank you, CIBC and organizers!"

"The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is proud to be part of the Post Secondary Challenge for the first year in 2011," said Nathalie Boudreau - Director, Business Development, QBCF.  "On behalf of QBCF, I would like to congratulate all students from Montreal, Quebec City and Sherbrooke that generously gave their time and energy to raise funds for this great cause. Their dedication illustrates this generation's commitment to getting involved in the community and we are confident that they will continue to make an impact all year long."

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.