Multi-year investment part of CIBC's legacy as lead partner of TORONTO 2015 Pan/Parapan AM Games

TORONTO, June 21, 2013 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE: CM) - To mark National Aboriginal Day, CIBC today announced a multi-year, $1 million investment in programs for Aboriginal children and youth, as part of an overall commitment to legacy initiatives as lead partner of the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games.

Today's announcement includes support for Motivate Canada's GEN7 program that pairs Aboriginal youth with role models and encourages them to lead healthy, active lifestyles while contributing to the betterment of their communities.  These youth will work together to develop community projects to increase participation in sports and recreation.

"When you are chasing your dreams - no matter how big or small - it's great to have support from your community," said Mary Spencer, a Pan Am, three-time world and nine-time Canadian champion boxer and a Motivate Canada GEN7 mentor. "The organizations that CIBC is investing in offer amazing programs that will have a lasting impact in helping our Aboriginal young people succeed."

The $1 million also includes funding commitments to some of CIBC's existing Aboriginal partners for programming in support of children and youth including Indspire, Frontiers Foundation, Boundless Adventures, Canadian Feed the Children, Let's Talk Science, and Save the Children Canada.

"CIBC is proud to support Canada's Aboriginal community, which has helped to shape our country into the compassionate and prosperous nation we are today," said Richard Nesbitt, Chief Operating Officer, CIBC. "We are thrilled that as part of the $1 million investment we are announcing today, our new relationship with Motivate Canada will provide strong role models to inspire Aboriginal young people to live healthy, active lifestyles so they can reach their full potential."

"CIBC is investing in vital programs that will help Canada's Aboriginal Community - the next generation of Aboriginal leaders - continue to thrive and grow," said Ian Troop, President and CEO of TO2015.

Today's announcement follows yesterday's introduction of the first three annual winners of the CIBC Youthvision Scholarships with a new athletic and sport component that will be awarded over the next 10 years in support of the legacy of the 2015 Games. When combining this new $1 million commitment to the programming announced above, CIBC is investing $2 million in Canada's young people as lead partner of the TO2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games.

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 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.

SOURCE: CIBC