Corporate teams raised more than $5 million in 2011 alone for breast cancer research, education and advocacy

TORONTO, Aug. 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Today CIBC (TSX: CM, NYSE: CM) and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) issued a challenge to the Canadian businesses community to enter a team in the 2012 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure and raise money to help fund research, education and advocacy for breast cancer.

"CIBC's involvement with the Run for the Cure started with a handful of dedicated employees and has grown into an important part of the fabric of our organization," said Christina Kramer, CIBC Executive Vice-President and National Run Champion. "Team CIBC is passionate about supporting the Foundation's vision of creating a future without breast cancer and through the Corporate Spirit Challenge we invite companies of all sizes across Canada to get involved as well by registering a team in this year's event."

Corporate teams have had an enormous impact, raising more than $5 million in 2011 alone to help make a difference in the lives of those living with breast cancer and their loved ones. The CIBC Corporate Spirit Award is presented to the top fundraising team at each Run site across the country on Run day in recognition of their significant contribution. This year's event takes place on Sunday, September 30.

"The Fairmont Royal York is proud to share a brand-wide commitment to corporate social responsibility and the CIBC Run for the Cure allows us to unite in support of a cause that has impacted our hotel team, their families and our guests," said Heather McCrory, Team Captain & Regional Vice President and General Manager, The Fairmont Royal York. "It also gives us an opportunity to establish a common ground between 1200 colleagues who come from 100 different ethnic backgrounds and range in age from 18 - 70 years. We are amazed by their commitment to personal fundraising along with the support we receive from our guests."

The kick-off of the CIBC Corporate Spirit Challenge took place this morning with representatives from CIBC, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and corporate team participants from last year ringing the opening bell of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

"The leadership of our corporate team members, who volunteer their time and fundraise in support of the breast cancer cause, is truly inspiring," says Sandra Palmaro, CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region. "The employees who participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure through corporate teams make it possible for the Foundation to continue funding the most promising breast cancer research and supporting the breast cancer community across the country."

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure
Since 1992, the annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure has been 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 over $30 million to fund innovative breast cancer research, education and awareness programs. On Sunday, September 30, 2012 this national movement will again connect participants and volunteers in 60 communities across the country. For more information, visit www.cbcf.org

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, our employees and our communities. We aim to make a difference in communities through corporate donations, sponsorships and the volunteer spirit of employees. In 2011, CIBC contributed more than $35 million to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
For over 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 $274 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.

Image with caption: "Executives from CIBC, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, TSX and representatives from Fairmont Royal York and Deloitte ring the opening bell at the TSX and challenge corporations to raise money for breast cancer research by participating in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. (CNW Group/Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120829_C2370_PHOTO_EN_17334.jpg

SOURCE: Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation