CIBC LunarFest 2012 to light up Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza from February 1-5

VANCOUVER, Jan. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) is proud to bring Canada's premier festival of contemporary Asian arts and culture to Vancouver for the second year in a row as the presenting sponsor of CIBC LunarFest 2012. The five-day festival, featuring the world's only lantern aquarium, will take place at the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza (801 West Georgia Street) from February 1 to 5.

"CIBC has a long history of supporting programs and initiatives that embrace and enrich Canadian culture and celebrate Canada's diversity," said Mike Stevenson, CIBC Senior Vice President of Retail Markets for Western Canada. "Through our presenting sponsorship of CIBC LunarFest 2012, CIBC is proud to recognize the cultural contributions of Canada's large and growing Asian community, honour the Lunar New Year tradition and welcome the Year of the Dragon.

Through the Treasures of the Sea lantern colouring contest, CIBC invited school children from the Vancouver area to draw pictures of ocean creatures. Many of these pictures will be featured in the lantern aquarium during CIBC LunarFest.

"We invite Canadians of all backgrounds to share the excitement of CIBC LunarFest and visit the CIBC Pavilion throughout the festival for refreshments and children's activities," said Alex Fan, CIBC Associate Vice President. "We want to thank the hundreds of children from across the greater Vancouver area for their enthusiastic participation in the lantern colouring contest and we invite them and their families to join us at the festival to enjoy the exhibits and see if they can find their lantern as part of the display."

During CIBC LunarFest, visitors to the CIBC pavilion will enjoy complimentary hot drinks and children's activities. Children with a Lantern ID from the colouring contest will receive a Dragon hat on a first come first served basis.

CIBC LunarFest is expected to attract thousands of visitors. CIBC is also presenting the festival in Toronto for the first time. Visit lunarfest.org for more details.

CIBC clients have access to nearly 1,100 CIBC branches across Canada. Many of these branches offer financial services and advice in languages that reflect the communities we serve, including Cantonese, Mandarin and other Asian languages. CIBC clients also have access to Chinese-language information and services 24/7 through Telephone Banking and ABMs and online through cibc.com.

In addition to being title sponsor for CIBC LunarFest, CIBC is a proud long term supporter of Asian community events and organizations in the Vancouver area, including the BC Children's hospital and SUCCESS. CIBC was also proud to be the presenting sponsor of world renowned pianist Lang Lang's performances with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, as well as with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal.

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada, and has offices in the United States and around the world. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.