Students receive CIBC Education Awards to help with tuition

CALGARY, Dec. 18, 2013 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX) (CM: NYSE) is pleased to announce nine students in Alberta have been named top individual fundraisers for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure Post Secondary Challenge.

Each year, CIBC and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation challenge post-secondary students to show their pink spirit, get involved, and raise funds for breast cancer research, education, and awareness initiatives. In celebration of their hard work and dedication to giving back to their community, the top five national and 10 regional individual fundraisers across Canada receive a CIBC Education Award of $2,500 to help with school expenses.

Alberta's 2013 CIBC Education Award recipients are:

1. Becky Bohlender - University of Calgary
2. Laura Coleman - University of Alberta
3. Heather Friedt - University of Calgary
4. Devynn Helischauer - University of Lethbridge
5. Amanda Leung - University of Calgary
6. Jessica Kilik - Grant MacEwan University
7. Anna Kovalchuk - University of Lethbridge
8. Paige Stannard - University of Calgary
9. Leah Stickel - University of Alberta

For Heather Friedt, a breast cancer survivor and veterinary student at the University of Calgary, the CIBC Education Award means the chance to go to school. "This award is important to me because as a survivor myself, and someone who is pursuing post-secondary education, it made a difference. It meant I could afford to go to school despite the year I took off when I was undergoing treatment. I am extremely grateful to have won the award."

This year, Post Secondary Challenge participants from the University of Calgary, University of Alberta, Grant MacEwan University and the University of Lethbridge won nine of the 15 Awards given to students across Canada. They helped to collectively raise almost $500,000 for the cause.

"I would like to congratulate the 2013 CIBC Education Award recipients, and all students participating in the Post Secondary Challenge across Canada, for your fundraising efforts and dedication to finding a cure for breast cancer," said Mark Galbraith, Region Head, Alberta, CIBC. "You inspire hope that the legacy of the CIBC Run for the Cure will continue through the compassion, determination, and strong leadership of future generations."

"We are delighted with the enthusiasm and support we received from the post-secondary community and appreciate the dedication of all participants to the breast cancer cause," said Jane Parsons, co-CEO, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. "A special thank you to the nine Alberta students who are among the 15 post secondary students from across Canada to win the Award. We also wish to thank CIBC for their incredible support as title sponsor and for providing school funding in support of the Program."

To view the results of the 2013 Post Secondary Challenge online, visit www.runforthecure.com/psc.

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. On Sunday, October 6, 2013 this national movement connected 130,000 participants and volunteers in 66 communities across the country. For more information, visit www.runforthecure.com.

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 2013, CIBC contributed more than $41 million to nearly 1900 charitable and non-profit initiatives in more than 430 communities. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.

SOURCE Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation