TORONTO, Sept. 26, 2012 /CNW/ - CIBC's involvement in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure started with a handful of dedicated and passionate employees, and over the last 20 years has grown into an important part of the fabric of our organization. Employees will be available in all 60 communities where the CIBC Run for the Cure takes place to tell their story about why they have become involved.

Below are stories from CIBC's eight Regional Run Champions. To speak to a Regional Run Champion or to a local Run Champion in your community please contact: Sean Hamilton, Director, External Communications and Media Relations, CIBC, Tel: 416-304-8456, Cell 416-886-2567 or email sean.hamilton@cibc.com

Karen Ringstead
BC & Northern Territories 
In Karen's 18 years of participation, her favourite Run moment was watching a recent survivor - a CIBC employee - with her whole family being cheered by Team CIBC upon crossing the finish line.

"I don't want to see cancer move into the fourth generation in our family," says Ringstead, whose Great Grandmother, Grandmother, Great Aunt and mother have all battled breast cancer. "I think it's so important to create awareness of early detection, minimizing risk and how we all can make a difference in fighting against breast cancer."

Sangeen Chahal
Alberta 
Sangeen has participated in the CIBC Run for the Cure for 11 years, the past five as a Run Champion, because she feels like she can make a difference and give back to her community.

"This cause does not just affect those with breast cancer, it affects everyone," says Chahal whose aunts, family, friends and a colleague have all battled the disease. "It makes me proud to work for an organization with such a strong community commitment. I still tear up today when I remember a client who asked to sit down with me to thank me for everything CIBC does for breast cancer research and awareness. She said that we are the reason she is here today." 

Carey Brooks
Southern Ontario and Prairies
"At first I got involved in the Run because it seemed like the right thing to do. Then it became much more emotional," says Brooks, who has been a Run Champion for three years. "It is so inspiring to see the hope the event generates, particularly for survivors. Although I'm grateful that I am not directly affected by breast cancer, it could easily be my mother, my wife, or my child and I would like to help ensure a future without breast cancer for generations to come."

Colette Ferron
Greater Toronto Area
"The CIBC Run for the Cure is so important not just because the funds raised are making a positive impact, but also because it helps to raise awareness," says Ferron, who has been a Run Champion for the past two years. "My sister-in-law, two friends and two cousins are all survivors so I know that early detection can help save lives. I volunteer to give something more than just money to this cause and to help create a future without breast cancer."

Tej Dhillon
Western Ontario & GTA West
"With family members as well as some of my co-workers affected by this disease, I am very proud to be part of a great team that is working together for a cure for breast cancer," says Dhillon, who has been participating in the event since he joined CIBC four years ago. "The most memorable moments for me on Run Day are when I meet survivors and they are so thankful to all the volunteers for their support."

Alison Phillips
Northern and Eastern Ontario
"I am so proud to be a small part of this event - part of the bigger Team CIBC," says Phillips, who has participated since the days before CIBC was title sponsor. "When I was very young my mother's best friend died of breast cancer. Seeing the impact on her family and friends was something I will never forgot. I have five children and this event has helped them understand the importance of getting involved to do something positive in the world. I would love it if they could be part of a world where breast cancer no longer exists."

Gisèle Brière
Quebec
For Brière, the call to volunteer came just one day after she lost her best friend to breast cancer and she has been a Run Champion in her community every since.
"I have worked with women my entire career and the lives of those women are really important for me," says Brière, who has participated for the past 12 years. "I am devoted to the cause for my daughter, my sisters, my colleagues, my friends and for me. I am working to help to find a cure for this terrible disease."

Janice Neumann
Atlantic
"There isn't a person I know who has not been touched in some way by breast cancer - be it family, friends or co-workers," says Neumann, who has been a Run volunteer for 17 years. "The Run brings so much awareness to the cause and brings people together in like circumstances for support. At my very first Run - in Vancouver - I was overwhelmed by the number of pink T-shirts and the positive attitudes of the survivors."

CIBC Run for the Cure Facts

• CIBC became the title sponsor of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in 1997.
• In 2011, the event raised more than $30 million to fund research, education and awareness programs that are making a difference in the lives of Canadians affected by breast cancer.
• The CIBC Run for the Cure is the largest single-day, volunteer-led, fundraiser dedicated to raising breast cancer funds and awareness.
• Participants can choose to do either a 5k run or 1k walk.
• CIBC employees across Canada have adopted the CIBC Run for the Cure as one of their most strongly supported causes rallying support around the event in communities across Canada.
• More than 13,000 CIBC employees and volunteers helped Team CIBC raise over $3 million last year through the collection of pledges, fundraising and contributions from the CIBC Pink Collection™.
• The 2012 CIBC Run for the Cure will take place on Sunday, September 30 in 60 communities across Canada.
• Visit www.cbcf.org for CIBC Run for the Cure information, registration and online fundraising.

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.

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

SOURCE: CIBC