CIBC employees celebrate Think Pink(TM) week

Sign up for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure

TORONTO, Sept. 13 /CNW/ - Today is the official start of national Think Pink(TM) week at CIBC, an annual event to raise awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, which this year takes place on Sunday, October 3.

CIBC employees all across Canada are wearing pink and taking part in a variety of events in the days leading up to the Run to show their passion for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation's vision of creating a future without breast cancer.

The kick-off celebration at Commerce Court in downtown Toronto today features CIBC President and CEO Gerald T. McCaughey, CIBC Retail Markets President Sonia Baxendale and CIBC Associate Vice-President Jiuliana Hawton. Ms. Hawton will share her personal experience with and triumph over breast cancer.

"CIBC is committed to supporting breast cancer research, education and awareness," said Ms. Baxendale. "I am extremely proud of the thousands of CIBC employees who join their fellow Canadians each year and make a difference by walking, running, volunteering and donating generously to one of the most successful fundraising events in this country."

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure

Since 1992, the annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure remains the largest, single-day, volunteer-led national event in support of breast cancer. In 2009, close to 170,000 participants raised over $26.5 million to fund innovative research, education and awareness programs. On Sunday, October 3, 2010, this national movement will connect participants and volunteers in over 60 communities across the country to support the vision of creating a future without breast cancer. For more information visit www.cbcf.org.

About CIBC

CIBC (CM: TSX;NYSE) is committed to supporting causes that matter to our clients, 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 2009, $26.8 million was contributed through the CIBC group of companies to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada, supporting a wide variety of national, regional and local organizations. To learn more, visit www.communitymatters.cibc.com.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1986 by a group of volunteers and has become the leading national volunteer-led organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. The Foundation has invested $230 million since its inception to collaboratively fund, support and advocate for relevant and innovative breast cancer research, meaningful education and awareness programs, early diagnosis and effective treatment, and a positive quality of life for those living with breast cancer. Based in Toronto, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has regional offices in British Columbia/Yukon, Prairies/North West Territories, Ontario and the Atlantic Region. For more information about the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation please visit www.cbcf.org.

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For further information: Media contact: Kevin Dove, Senior Director, CIBC Communications & Public Affairs, 416-980-8835 or [email protected]