Attention Newcomers: Get a head start with free Facts & Finance(TM) seminars

VANCOUVER , Sept. 16 /CNW/ - For newcomers settling in Metropolitan Vancouver , CIBC and the YMCA are offering Facts & Finance(TM) seminars this fall designed to provide the advice and information newcomers need to make informed decisions about financial services in Canada . Free seminars on Banking in Canada , Starting your own business, and Teaching your children about money are being conducted at three (3) YMCA locations: downtown Vancouver , Surrey and Chilliwack.

Banking in Canada: Learn about building a credit history, saving and investing in Canada . You will get an overview of banking in Canada , your rights, how your money is protected, and the options available to you as a consumer. You will also learn about opening an account, credit and loans, ways to bank, investments, products and services, insurance and advice.

    
    -   Tuesday, September 15 (9:30-11:30 a.m.) at YMCA, 200-1166 Alberni
        St., Vancouver
    -   Wednesday, October 7 (9:30-11:30 a.m.) at YMCA, 200-1166 Alberni St.,
        Vancouver
    -   Thursday, October 22 (9:30-11:30 a.m.) at YMCA, 200-1166 Alberni St.,
        Vancouver
    -   Tuesday, November 17 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) at the Chilliwack Family YMCA -
        Cheam Centre, 1060 Boulevard Avenue, Chilliwack
    -   Wednesday, November 25 (9:30-11:30 a.m.) at the Tong Louie Family
        YMCA, 14988 57th Avenue, Surrey
    -   Wednesday, December 2 (9:30-11:30 a.m.) at the Tong Louie Family
        YMCA, 14988 57th Avenue, Surrey
    -   Monday, December 7 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) at YMCA, 200-1166 Alberni St.,
        Vancouver
    

Starting your own business: Discover how knowing your goals, strategy and developing a smart business plan will steer you in the right direction for business success in Canada . Learn about ownership structures, business plans, financing a business, what banks look for, why businesses fail and resources for entrepreneurs.

    
    -   Wednesday, September 23 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) at YMCA, 200-1166 Alberni
        St., Vancouver
    -   Tuesday, October 20 (6:30-8:30 p.m.) at the Tong Louie Family YMCA,
        14988 57th Avenue, Surrey
    -   Tuesday, December 8 (9:30-11:30 a.m.) at the Chilliwack Family YMCA -
        Cheam Centre, 1060 Boulevard Avenue, Chilliwack
    

Teaching your children about money: Children need knowledge and practice to become money smart and starting young will help them achieve that. In two hours, you will learn helpful tips to teach your children the value of money and how to save for their education. You will discuss children's allowances, spending plans, choosing a bank, advanced money ideas, getting a job, and saving for your child's education.

    
    -   Thursday, September 17 (9:30-11:30 a.m.) at YMCA, 200-1166 Alberni
        St., Vancouver
    -   Tuesday, November 3 (9:30-11:30 a.m.) at YMCA, 200-1166 Alberni St.,
        Vancouver
    

For more information, visit www.cibcymcanewcomers.ca or call 1-866-278-6209

About YMCA

The YMCA of Greater Vancouver's mission is to support the growth of people in spirit, mind and body and to foster a sense of responsibility to each other and the global community. As a values-based charity dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver served over 64,000 people of all ages, cultural backgrounds and economic circumstances across the Lower Mainland in 2008. The YMCA offers diverse programs at 138 locations throughout the region including child care, health and wellness, camps, employment, and international and community development. To learn more, visit www.vanymca.org.

About CIBC

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. With a strategic focus on youth, education and health, 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 2008, CIBC group of companies contributed more than $36 million worldwide to charitable and nonprofit initiatives. Of this, more than $27 million was invested in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.cibc.com/pas

For further information: YMCA: Kelly Walker, Communications Manager, YMCA of Greater Vancouver, C: [phone], [email protected]; CIBC: Doug Maybee, Director, Media Relations, CIBC, [phone], [email protected]