CIBC employees help raise record $12.4 million to build stronger communities through United Way

Over 20,000 employees and retirees generously contributed to improve the lives of people across Canada

TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - CIBC (TSX:CM) (NYSE:CM) - CIBC employees and retirees have once again given generously in support of the United Way, raising a record $12.4 million, including a corporate donation of $3.2 million.

Over 20,000 employees and retirees generously contributed to the campaign, and this year, 1 in 4 employees were directly involved with local agencies, whether through volunteering, hosting agency speakers, raising funds through special events or collecting essentials for those who need it most.

"CIBC's culture is deeply rooted in a collective spirit of coming together to help make a difference," said Richard Nesbitt, Chief Operating Officer, CIBC and Chair of CIBC's United Way Campaign. "I am especially proud of our employees who continue to give generously of their time and money to help build stronger and healthier communities where we live and work right across Canada."

This year, CIBC was awarded United Way of Toronto's "Leadership Award" for its exceptional and exemplary Leadership Campaign, generating personal gifts of $1,000 or more through United Way best practices.

"We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity shown to us by CIBC and its employees, whose critical support helps United Ways across the country invest in vital services and programs that strengthen neighbourhoods and improve lives in our communities. For the past two years, CIBC has demonstrated record breaking fundraising results for CIBC's United Way Campaign and unprecedented participation by the CIBC team in community volunteer activities and awareness raising events. Thank you, CIBC , for your partnership and commitment to making a difference in so many people's lives," said Julia Gorman, Vice President, Resource Development, United Way Toronto.

While CIBC employees get involved in countless national and local community initiatives throughout the year, the bank ramps up for a season of making a difference in the fall, beginning with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in October, followed by Movember, CIBC Miracle Day in December and wraps up with its annual United Way Campaign at the close of the year. In the last three months of 2013, CIBC employees generously contributed $16 million to support causes benefiting kids, cures and community across the country.

About CIBC

CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 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. With a strategic focus on Kids, Cures and Community, 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 2013, CIBC contributed more than $41 million to 1,870 charitable and non-profit initiatives in over 430 communities. You can find other news releases and information about CIBC in our Press Centre on our corporate website at www.cibc.com.

SOURCE: CIBC