Media Advisory - Countdown begins for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure

CIBC employees celebrate with Think Pink Week events across the country

TORONTO, Sept. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX: CM, NYSE: CM) employees from coast to coast will be hosting events to encourage people to register and fundraise for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure on September 30.

"Breast cancer is a cause that's very close to the hearts of so many because it impacts us all," said Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President, CIBC and National Run Champion. "I encourage all Canadians to join us for this year's CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, September 30 to help create a future without breast cancer."

Some of the events happening across the country to raise awareness for the CIBC Run for the Cure and to create a future without breast cancer are:

Vancouver/Lower Mainland

• September 8 - Car wash fundraiser in Coquitlam, BC
• Pub night fundraisers for employees and clients including raffles and silent auctions:
• September 12 - Downtown Central Vancouver
• September 14 - North Vancouver
• September 15 - Surrey White Rock

Cranbrook

• September 15 - Comedy night fundraiser open to the public at Columbia Theatre

Calgary

• September 8 - Think Pink Week Family Fun Day Kickoff at CIBC's Crowfoot Village and Chinook Station branches featuring a BBQ, balloon artist, tattoos, cotton candy, popcorn, the CIBC Pink Collection and online Run for the Cure registration.
• Sept 18 - The annual Survivor Parade takes place at Bankers Hall

Edmonton

• September 8 - Think Pink Week Family Fun Day Kickoff at CIBC's Windermere and Kennedale branches featuring a BBQ, balloon artist, tattoos, cotton candy, popcorn, the CIBC Pink Collection and online Run for the Cure registration.

Winnipeg

• September 13 - Main and Jefferson branch fundraising BBQ
• September 14 - Henderson Highway and Kimberly branch fundraising BBQ, Book and Cookie Sale 
• September 14 - Southdale Mall Shopping Centre fundraising BBQ
• September 14 - Crossroads Shopping Centre fundraising BBQ and silent auction

London

• September 10-14 - All CIBC branches in London will celebrate with a special theme each day of Think Pink Week including Pink Lemonade Days, Pink Dessert Day, Pink Ribbon Days and Pink T-Shirt Day with each branch hosting a fundraiser.

Toronto

• September 13 - The annual kick off event place at Commerce Court, featuring Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President, CIBC and Executive Run Sponsor, as well as emcees Erin Davis and Mike Cooper from 98.1 CHFI and breast cancer survivors sharing their experiences. Boxed lunches will be available for purchase.

Ottawa

• September 10-14 - All CIBC branches in the Ottawa area will celebrate with a special theme each day of Think Pink Week including a cupcake fundraiser, celebrity theme day, bake sale, silent auction and Pink Ribbon Day.

Montreal

• September 11 - Kick off event takes place at CIBC's Boulevard René-Lévesque branch featuring remarks by Sylvain Vinet, Senior Vice-President, CIBC and Michel Cantin, Vice-President, CIBC with the CIBC Pink Collection and refreshments.
• September 14 - Annual CIBC Gala Fundraiser and silent auction for employees and clients at the Crown Plaza, with a fundraising goal of $100,000.

Halifax

• September 10-14 - All CIBC branches in Halifax will celebrate with a special theme each day of Think Pink Week including a cupcake fundraiser, celebrity theme, bake sale, silent auction and Pink Ribbon Day.

CIBC has been proud to partner with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for many years and in 2011 marked the 15th Anniversary as title sponsor of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

"Our involvement in the CIBC Run for the Cure started with a handful of dedicated employees and has continued to thrive thanks to employee commitment and support," said Kramer. "More than 13,000 CIBC employees and volunteers have helped make the CIBC Run for the Cure a day where thousands of Canadians come together to try and make life without breast cancer a reality."

CIBC's involvement in the Run for the Cure has grown into an important part of the fabric of our organization and our employees continue to be at the heart of our support. Regional Run Champions are available for interviews and can share their personal stories about why they became involved in the CIBC Run for a Cure.

About CIBC
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with nearly 11 million personal banking and business clients. 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. In 2011, CIBC contributed more than $35 million to charitable and non-profit initiatives in Canada to support national, regional and local organizations.

SOURCE: CIBC

To find out what CIBC employee are doing in a community near you or for additional information, contact: Sean Hamilton, Director, External Communications and Media Relations, CIBC, Tel: [phone], [email protected]