CIBC announces $300,000 donation for The Calgary John Howard Society to mark grand opening of Private Wealth Management branch in Calgary

Expanded branch brings together private wealth management services at CIBC Bankers Hall, reflecting wealth creation in Alberta, Canada's fastest-growing economy

CALGARY, March 18, 2014 /CNW/ - CIBC (CM: TSX) (CM: NYSE) is pleased to announce a $300,000 donation to The Calgary John Howard Society to mark the grand opening of its recently expanded Private Wealth Management branch.

The donation will support the construction of the Calgary John Howard Society's Bedford House, a residence for individuals, including young people returning to the community from correctional facilities.

"We hope to make a difference with this donation by helping individuals, especially young Canadians, who are at a significant turning point in their lives," says The Honorable Jim Prentice, P.C., Q.C., Senior Executive Vice-President and Vice Chairman, CIBC. "CIBC recognizes the importance of giving back to our communities in ways that matter, and in particular, in ways that support Canada's youth to ensure they receive the help and resources they need to succeed in life."

Bedford House is part of the RESOLVE Campaign to provide affordable housing in Calgary, a first-in-Canada collaboration of nine homeless-serving agencies.

"CIBC's generous donation brings us closer to breaking ground on Bedford House, a place where residents will be supported and encouraged to move forward," says Gord Sand, Executive Director of The Calgary John Howard Society. "We approach community safety by housing youth and adults at risk of cycling between crime and homelessness. We feel privileged to be a partner in the RESOLVE Campaign."

The donation will be unveiled today at an event showcasing the CIBC Private Wealth Management branch in Calgary.

The branch, located at CIBC Bankers Hall at 855, 2^nd Street SW, brings together in one central location the full suite of CIBC services, including private banking and credit management, investment counseling, financial planning, and executor and trustee services.

In 2013, CIBC contributed more than $41 million nationally to over 1,870 organizations in 430 communities, with 170 of these organizations based in Alberta.

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada, and has offices in the United States and around the world. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Media Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.

SOURCE: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce

Media contact: Caroline Van Hasselt, Director, External Communications and Media Relations, at 416-784-6699 or e-mail:[email protected].