Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and CIBC join forces to stop bullying before it starts

TORONTO, April 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Tomorrow is National Day to End Bullying - an anti-bullying and belonging campaign launched in partnership between Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC) and CIBC. The campaign is focused on the theme of belonging (www.belonging.ca)

"Bullying is a growing issue facing kids and as a society we need to find ways to stop it by promoting healthy relationships so our kids can be safe and have a sense of belonging in order to stop bullying before it starts," said Sharon Mathers, Senior Vice President, CIBC.

"We hope that this campaign will help kids overcome barriers, recognize their self-worth, help them set goals and build plans to achieve their dreams. CIBC is a proud long-time supporter of Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada and we are pleased to once again partner with them to support youth in need."

T-shirts were sold during the month of April via the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada website. Clubs, CIBC employees and the public were invited to purchase t-shirts for $10 to be worn tomorrow.

"We know first-hand that when children and youth have a place to belong and are in a safe and supportive environment, they are better able to overcome challenges and build confidence, self-esteem and resilience." said BGCC President and CEO Pam Jolliffe. "We are so pleased to partner with a caring company like CIBC which shares our belief that by building a young person's sense of belonging, we can help lessen the negative effects of bullying."

Support of anti-bullying initiatives aligns with CIBC's Kids, Cures and Community corporate giving strategy. These initiatives are an important part of our commitment of nurturing and educating Canada's youth so they can build positive futures. Over the past 15 years, CIBC has contributed $170 million in support of a variety of charities across Canada that provide children and youth in need with education, mentoring, leadership skills and healthy active living.

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 2012, CIBC group of companies contributed over $38 million to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com

About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is a leading non-profit organization providing programs that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of more than 210,000 children, youth and their families each year. In 650 locations across Canada, Boys and Girls Clubs offer opportunities, after school and at other critical times when children are not in school, to develop healthy behaviours, academic success, positive relationships and life and leadership skills. Boys and Girls Clubs have been helping young Canadians to discover, develop and achieve their potential for over 110 years. Visit www.bgccan.com

SOURCE: CIBC