CIBC goes "Pink" as employees across Canada celebrate Think Pink(TM) week

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

TORONTO, Sept. 16 /CNW/ - CIBC employees all across Canada are wearing pink and taking part in a variety of events in the days leading up to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. The events are in celebration of Think Pink(TM) week at CIBC, an annual initiative to raise awareness for the Run, which this year takes place on Sunday, October 3.

Think Pink(TM) events are being held across the country featuring CIBC's 2010 Pink Collection as well as pink themed cake and refreshments, contests, registration incentives and giveaways in select locations.

Vancouver, BC (September 16) - CIBC will host a BBQ at the CIBC location at 400 Burrard Street with pink themed refreshments, activities and contests.

Halifax, NS (September 17) - CIBC employees will host a pink themed event for clients with cake, refreshments and giveaways. The event will take place at the 5527 Spring Garden Road CIBC location in Halifax.

Mississauga, ON (September 18) - CIBC's Grand Opening celebration at the Britannia & Latimer Heartland Banking Centre will include pink themed activities, refreshments and giveaways as well as a donation presentation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation of funds raised to date in the Mississauga area.

Charlottetown, PEI (September 18-25) - CIBC branches in Charlottetown will be hosting a week-long "Bar Wars for Breast Cancer" event challenging local establishments to fundraise for the cause with the largest fundraiser taking home the "Pink Jug Award".

Calgary, AB (September 21) - CIBC employees will cheer on participants in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Survivors Parade as survivors wind their way past the CIBC Bankers Hall branch and down Stephen Avenue Mall.

Midtown, Toronto, ON (September 25) - CIBC's Grand Opening celebration at the Avenue Rd. & Woburn Banking Centre will include pink themed activities, refreshments and giveaways as well as a donation presentation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation of funds raised to date in the Toronto area.

Charlottetown, PEI (September 26) - CIBC is partnering with the Confederation Centre of the Arts to raise funds through a Special Performance of "Hairspray" starring George Wendt.

Earlier this month CIBC held Think Pink(TM) events in these locations:

Sherbrooke, QC (September 9) - In honour of the city being added as a new Run site for 2010, all CIBC branches in Sherbrooke turned pink for the day, hosting client celebrations including refreshments and a contest.

Calgary, AB (September 11) - CIBC celebrated Think Pink(TM) week and the Grand Opening of the new CIBC Southcentre Banking Centre with a Family Fun day featuring pink themed activities, refreshments and giveaways.

Mississauga, ON (September 11) - At CIBC's new Erin Mills Town Centre branch in Mississauga, employees hosted a 'Jail & Bail' fundraiser with proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. Mississauga is hosting the Run for the first time this year.

Toronto, ON (September 13) - CIBC's Think Pink(TM) kick-off celebration at Commerce Court in downtown Toronto featured CIBC President and CEO Gerald T. McCaughey, CIBC Retail Markets President Sonia Baxendale and CIBC Associate Vice-President Jiuliana Hawton. Ms. Hawton shared her personal experience with and triumph over breast cancer.

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]