Register, donate and get involved during Think Pink Week at CIBC branches across Canada

TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM) (NYSE:CM) - CIBC employees across the country are putting on the pink from September 15 to 19, hosting fundraising events and encouraging people to register for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure taking place on October 5 in communities across Canada.

"We are honoured to once again host Think Pink Week events nationwide to officially kick off our fundraising for the 2014 CIBC Run for the Cure," says Christina Kramer, CIBC's Executive Vice-President, Retail & Business Banking and CIBC's Executive Run Sponsor. "With one in nine Canadian women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, this cause remains very close to the hearts of our clients, employees, and dedicated Run volunteers."

From barbeques to bake sales to raffles, all proceeds collected during Think Pink Week will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to help create a future without breast cancer.

This year's Think Pink Week employee kick-off event at CIBC's Commerce Court head office in Toronto on September 16 will also feature special guest Anne Wood, a breast cancer survivor and champion fundraiser for the CIBC Run for the Cure. Anne's courageous and inspiring story is told through two social media videos, "In Her Shoes" and "In Her Shoes: Behind the Scenes", which captures her candid experience being diagnosed with this disease and the effect it has had on her life and her family.

"I remember how shocked my family and I were when I was diagnosed with breast cancer," says Anne. "There was no history of it in my family. You never think it can happen to you, but the fact remains, far too many women fall victim to this disease. Until we live in a world without breast cancer, we can't stop promoting awareness and prevention and funding research."

Anne and her family have raised $24,000 since participating in the CIBC Run for the Cure after her diagnosis almost five years ago. She and her daughter will be in Halifax for this year's Run.

"Every year the CIBC Run for the Cure unites Canadians from coast to coast with a shared vision of a future without breast cancer.  And while we've made great progress over the past 23 years, we can't stop now," says Jane Parsons, co-CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  "Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women.  The CIBC Run for the Cure gives families, friends, and supporters the opportunity to join together in honouring their loved ones, and making a difference." 

CIBC is in its 18th year as title sponsor of Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. Every year CIBC marks Think Pink Week nationwide to bring awareness to this important cause and encourage registration for the Run. This year, CIBC is the presenting sponsor of the Wall of Hope, a forum for sharing inspiring messages in CIBC branches online and at every Run site to support those affected by breast cancer. For more information about Think Pink Week events or the Wall of Hope, visit your local CIBC branch, and visit www.runforthecure.com.

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. 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 2013, CIBC contributed more than $41 million to 1,870 charitable and non-profit initiatives in over 430 communities. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Media Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.

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 October 5, 2014, this national movement will again connect participants and volunteers in 66 Run sites across the country. For more information, visit www.CIBCrunforthecure.com.

About Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading community driven organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. Our investments in innovative and relevant research and education have led to progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, we have been at the forefront of a nationwide movement supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community. Join us at www.cbcf.org.

SOURCE Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation