Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run For The Cure paints Canada pink as run day approaches

TORONTO, Aug. 17, 2015 /CNW/ - Canadians from coast to coast will rededicate themselves to a future without breast cancer today with the launch of Paint Canada Pink Week, and to mark 50 days until the 2015 Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

Paint Canada Pink Week is a series of events held in communities across Canada to encourage Canadians to support the CIBC Run for the Cure, Canada's largest single-day event in support of breast cancer research, health education and advocacy programs.

From yoga and Zumba in the park, to storefront decorating contests, to ceremonial flag raisings, Paint Canada Pink Week is a celebration of all things pink and reminds Canadians to register and fundraise for the CIBC Run for the Cure or donate to someone they know who is participating.

The 2015 CIBC Run for the Cure takes place on Sunday, October 4^th in over 60 communities across Canada.

"Breast cancer impacts almost every Canadian at some point in their lives and this year alone an estimated 25,000 Canadian women and more than 200 men will be diagnosed," said Jane Parsons, Executive Director, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. "Over the next 50 days, we encourage Canadians to start or join a team in the CIBC Run for the Cure, participate in fundraising activities and support friends or colleagues through a donation. Every individual can make a difference. We're all in this together."

The money raised from CIBC Run for the Cure allows CBCF to continue to invest in relevant and innovative research that aims to reduce the incidence of breast cancer, lower mortality rates and support those who have been affected by a breast cancer diagnosis. Last year, Canadians raised $25 million to help fund Foundation initiatives such as improving early imaging and screening techniques to detect tumors and enhance treatments like surgery and radiation so patients spend less time in the hospital and experience fewer side effects, while still gaining the long-term survival benefits of effective treatment. Thanks in part to investments like these, breast cancer mortality rates have dropped by 44% since their peak in the mid-1980s.

"For 19 years, CIBC has proudly partnered with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, because it is a cause that affects too many Canadians including our clients, colleagues and loved ones," says Christina Kramer, CIBC Executive Vice President, and its Executive Run Sponsor. "We're proud to join the thousands of Canadians who run with us each year to create hope for a future without this disease."

To register or support a friend, visit www.cibcrunforthecure.com, #CIBCRunfortheCure.

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.

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC and our employees are committed to the social and economic development of our communities, with a focus on Kids, Cures and Community. In 2014, CIBC supported over 420 communities across Canada, contributing more than $42 million to 1,780 charitable and non-profit initiatives, including the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, the CIBC Children's Foundation and United Way. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC on our corporate website at www.cibc.com/ca/media-centre/.

SOURCE Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

or to arrange an interview, please contact: Georgia Boutsalis, [email protected], 416-342-1817