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

EDMONTON, Nov. 29, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) today announced University of Alberta student Stephanie Berendt as the top Prairies/North West Territories 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.

Five other Alberta university students were also named among the 10 highest national fundraisers:

Sydney Pearson - University of Alberta
Emily Paterson - University of Alberta
Al Bartos - University of Calgary
Anna Kovalchuk - University of Lethbridge
Shannon Parrott - Mount Royal University

"Congratulations to all six of these community-minded students from Alberta 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 six Alberta 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."

"I ran in memory of my Oma Joan, who died of breast cancer while my parents were on their honeymoon -- I never got to meet her," said Ms. Berendt. "My family fought this disease before I was born, and now I continue the fight hoping to be admitted to medical school to specialize as an oncologist and treat those who are still battling this disease. Upon hearing that I would be a recipient of the $10 000 CIBC Education Award, I was astonished. I am extremely thankful that I will be assisted by CIBC."

"We would like to congratulate all six of the Post Secondary Challenge award recipients," said Trish Bronsch, CEO Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Prairies/NWT Region. "Their enthusiasm, commitment and hard work in raising funds for the breast cancer cause are truly inspiring. Our sincere thanks goes out as well to CIBC. As a national partner of the Foundation, CIBC continues to demonstrate their commitment to creating a future without breast cancer."

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.