Record amount raised on 2011 CIBC Miracle Day will provide even more help to children's charities

TORONTO, Dec. 22, 2011 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX:CM) (NYSE:CM) announced today that a record $4.15 million was raised for Canadian kids in need on CIBC Miracle Day, held on December 7, 2011. The amount raised is the largest in the 27-year history of the campaign and will make this holiday season a little brighter for kids who need it most.

"CIBC Miracle Day is about investing in kids. We're all very proud to have once again worked together with our clients to raise another record amount to help kids in need in Canada," says Richard Nesbitt, Senior Executive Vice President at CIBC and Chair of the CIBC Children's Foundation. "Our success this year is a true reflection of how much our employees and clients believe in working together to make miracles possible."

Through funds raised on CIBC Miracle Day, the CIBC Children's Foundation helps organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs support kids in need in over 125 communities across Canada.

"I started going to the Boys and Gils Club because I didn't have anything to do," says 11 year-old David. "The thing I like the best about the Boys and Girls Club is the gym and the homework help which really helps me. Thank you CIBC Miracle Day for supporting the Boys and Girls Club."

Manon, who is 12, appreciates the contribution CIBC Miracle Day funds make to her local Boys and Girls Club. "CIBC is doing a really good job and they should continue to do that because it's giving a place for kids to go instead of staying on the streets and doing bad things."  

Each year on Miracle Day, CIBC employees are joined by clients and special guests like CFL Hall of Fame member, Michael "Pinball" Clemons, who help raise much needed money for children's charities.

"I've been helping out on Miracle Day because I've seen the impact these dollars have in helping kids who need it most," said Mr. Clemons. "CIBC's been doing this for 27 years and I've been around for 20 of them. Every year I'm amazed by the energy of these employees who are truly committed to making a difference.

"You can really feel how important this day is to everyone, including clients who join in the excitement by doing their business that day. It's amazing to see what can happen when like-minded organizations and individuals come together in support of thousands of great kids."

Every year since 1984, on the first Wednesday in December, CIBC's wholesale banking employees and participating CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors have donated their fees and commissions to support children in need across the country. In the past 27 years, CIBC Miracle Day has raised over $64 million in Canada.

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 2011, CIBC group of companies contributed over $35 million to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com.

Audio with caption: "CFL Hall of Fame member, Michael "Pinball" Clemons talks about why he helps out on CIBC Miracle Day.; 11 year-old David and 12 year-old Manon talk about how CIBC Miracle Day has made a difference in their lives. ". Audio available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2011/12/22/20111222_C8758_AUDIO_EN_8471.mp3