100 Day Countdown to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure

Hundreds of pink-clad supporters will take to University Avenue, encouraging others to help surpass this year's CIBC Run for the Cure GTA goal of $7 million

TORONTO, June 26, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario (CBCF Ontario) and CIBC mark the 100-day countdown to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure with a pink-themed training walk to remind people to register and fundraise for the event on September 30.

CBCF staff and volunteers, CIBC representatives and summer interns, will parade down University Avenue today at 11:00 a.m. in a sea of pink, asking Torontonians to join the movement for the next 100 days and help surpass the GTA's CIBC Run for the Cure fundraising goal of $7 million. The training walk will begin at Commerce Court and conclude at the University of Toronto's, the venue for the Toronto event.

"We've seen tremendous advances in the detection and treatment of breast cancer in the past 26 years, with the breast cancer mortality rate falling by more than 40 per cent, but there is still much work to be done. With 1 in 9 women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, we have to continue to invest in research to prevent and treat this devastating disease," says Sandra Palmaro, CEO of the CBCF Ontario Region. "We invite all Torontonians to come out on September 30 to participate, donate or volunteer and be part of a movement to create a future without breast cancer."

CIBC is the title sponsor of the CIBC Run for the Cure, and today more than 150 CIBC student interns are participating in the 100 Day Countdown. Their goal is to rally fellow students across the country to participate in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's Post-Secondary Challenge, a national program supported by CIBC that encourages universities and colleges to fundraise for the CIBC Run for the Cure.

"CIBC has been the title partner of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure for 16 years," says Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President, CIBC. "We believe in the Foundation's mission to create a future without breast cancer and we are proud to support events like the 100 Day Countdown and the Post-Secondary Challenge that help build breast cancer awareness and raise funds for programs that improve the lives of women, men and families touched by breast cancer."

With only 100 days left to the CIBC Run for the Cure, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is encouraging everyone to get involved by participating, donating or volunteering. Visit www.runforthecure.com and join the movement now.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation:
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1986 as the first volunteer-led organization in the country devoted exclusively to breast cancer research, breast health and breast cancer education and advocacy. Our goal is to reduce the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer, and to improve quality of life for those affected. We fund world-class researchers and clinicians who are making groundbreaking progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, the Foundation's Ontario Region has awarded over $84 million in funding for nearly 600 grants, supporting research projects, fellowships and community health initiatives.

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.

You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.

Image with caption: "Breast cancer supporters take city streets in a sea of pink to remind everyone there are only 100 days left to register and fundraise for this year's Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure happening on Sunday, September 30th. (CNW Group/Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120626_C3975_PHOTO_EN_15748.jpg

Allison Colalillo
High Road Communications
416-644-1644
[email protected]

Christina Peck
High Road Communications
416-644-2295
[email protected]