Run for the Cure raises record $33 million to support the Foundation's vision
of creating a future without breast cancer

TORONTO, Oct. 3 /CNW/ - Canadians show record breaking support today to raise $33 million in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure.

Now in its 19th year, the Run for the Cure is the largest, single-day, volunteer-led, national event in support of breast cancer research. This year's Run for the Cure attracted more than 170,000 Canadians in 60 communities across the country.

"Today's event is an inspiring milestone for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the countless Canadians affected by breast cancer. These record-breaking results are a testament to how far we've come since the early grassroots beginnings of the Run for the Cure close to 20 years ago. Thanks to the generous support of so many, the Foundation continues to make a difference in communities across Canada," says Dr. Ralph Strother, Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation National Board.

With the money raised from the Run for the Cure, the Foundation will continue to lead funding towards innovative and meaningful breast cancer research across the breast cancer continuum. Funding that is directed to renowned researchers and clinicians who are contributing to groundbreaking progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.

In 2010, for the 14th year, CIBC participated in the Run for the Cure as the title sponsor. Team CIBC included 13,000 participants nationally whose efforts continue to show true commitment, through countless volunteer hours, team fundraising and support on Run day.

"CIBC is committed to supporting the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation in achieving their vision for a future without breast cancer - a disease that has touched far too many Canadians," says Sonia Baxendale, President of CIBC Retail Markets. "Through the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, Team CIBC is proud to join thousands of Canadians who walk, run, and raise funds for breast cancer research, education and awareness programs."

Other national sponsors include New Balance Canada, East Side Mario's, Running Room Canada Inc., Canpar Transport L.P. and Revlon Canada.

Key areas of Funding

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is leading funding towards research on a pan-Canadian level. This includes:

    
    -  Providing grants for studies to better understand the environmental,
       lifestyle and genetic links to breast cancer including why the disease
       occurs, and how the risk of developing breast cancer might be
       reduced.

    -  Funding education and awareness programs throughout the country.
       Community education grants allow the Foundation's regional offices to
       fund local programs that help women to be breast aware. The
       Foundation's website (www.cbcf.org) also provides an excellent online
       resource of breast health information.

    -  Funding projects to develop more effective treatments that respond to
       individual needs, and help improve diagnostic techniques, to better
       support women at the time of diagnosis. This includes promoting
       participation in breast screening and reducing barriers to screening
       with the goal of having more eligible women participate in organized
       screening programs.
    

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 Canada in support of breast cancer. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading national volunteer-led organization dedicated to a vision of creating a future without breast cancer. The Foundation works collaboratively to 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. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested $230 million towards innovative research, education and awareness programs. For more information, visit www.cbcf.org.

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. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation has regional offices in British Columbia/Yukon, Prairies/North West Territories, Ontario and the Atlantic Region and a Central Office in Toronto. For more information about the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation please 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.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: Kelly Hanley, Communications Specialist, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, 416-263-7944, 416-407-4287 (Run day), [email protected], Twitter: CBCF_Run