CIBC Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Through Dragon Boating

Top Quote GWN Dragon Boat is proud to announce that CIBC is the presenting sponsor of the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge, a two day event that will help raise awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region End Quote
  • (1888PressRelease) May 26, 2012 - TORONTO, ON - GWN Dragon Boat is proud to announce that CIBC is the presenting sponsor of the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge, a two day event that will help raise awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region.

    "CIBC's three year commitment to the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge is a tremendous step towards highlighting the world's fastest growing water sport with over 50 million participants worldwide which raises millions of dollars for charities annually," said Aaron Soroka, Chief Operating Officer, GWN Dragon Boat. "We are thrilled to be partnered with CIBC and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region as we raise awareness and valuable funds for the fight against breast cancer."

    Breast Cancer Survivor teams have become synonymous with dragon boating. It was once believed that upper body exercise would cause breast cancer survivors to develop lymphedema. Dr. Don McKenzie, a professor from the University of British Columbia, set out to disprove this belief by forming a dragon boat team made up of breast cancer survivors. Chosen for its strenuous, repetitive upper-body exercise; paddling has been proven to boost the general physical and mental health of participating survivors.

    "We are so pleased to receive this generous support from the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge to continue our work to create a future without breast cancer. Dragon boating has become an important part of the breast cancer community as a source of support, and improved physical and emotional well-being for women affected by breast cancer," says Sandra Palmaro, CEO Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region Ontario Region.

    "Breast cancer is a cause that is very close to our hearts at CIBC because it affects so many Canadians," said Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President, CIBC. "Together with the many CIBC employees who will be taking part in the event, CIBC is proud to be partnering with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region on the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge to support breast cancer survivors and be part of the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer."

    The two-day dragon boat festival held in Toronto has raised over $1M for local charities to date. Funds raised through this year will support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region's Ontario Region and will go towards research and education programs focused on breast health and breast cancer.

    About the GWN Dragon Boat Challenge presented by CIBC
    The GWN Dragon Boat Challenge presented by CIBC is one of North America's largest dragon boat events. This two day festival is hosted at Marilyn Bell Park from September 8-9 and features dragon boat racing, live music, a variety of vendors/exhibitors, and activities for the entire family. For more information, visit www.gwndragonboat.com

    About Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
    The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1986 as the first volunteer-led organization in the country devoted exclusively to breast cancer research, health promotion and advocacy. Our goal is to reduce the number of people diagnosed with breast cancer, and to improve quality of life for those affected. We direct donor dollars to world-class researchers and clinicians who are making groundbreaking progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, the Foundation's Ontario Region has awarded over $84 million in funding for nearly 600 grants, supporting research projects, fellowships and community health initiatives. For more information please visit www.cbcf.org/ontario.

    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.

    For more information:
    Aaron Soroka
    Chief Operating Officer
    Great White North Communications Inc.
    416-962-8899
    aaron ( @ ) gwndragonboat dot com

    Sean Hamilton
    Director, External and Media Relations
    416-304-8456
    sean.hamilton ( @ ) cibc dot com

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