Kids

More than one in seven Canadian kids live in poverty. These children are not only at a higher risk of developing health problems and behavioural disorders, they also tend to attain lower levels of education and are more likely to live in poverty as adults.

At CIBC we are committed to helping to break the cycle of poverty in families by supporting organizations that provide at-risk children and youth with education and training; mentoring, self-esteem and leadership skills; as well as healthy and active lifestyles. Ultimately we hope our support will enable our partner organizations nurture and educate Canada’s kids and young adults so they can build a better future. In part we do this through corporate donations, our flagship programs CIBC Youthvision and the CIBC Children’s Foundation through funds raised on CIBC Miracle Day. CIBC Youthvision CIBC Children’s Foundation Education and Scholarships Mentoring and Leadership

CIBC Youthvision Our flagship education program, CIBC Youthvision, has been recognized by Imagine Canada as being an outstanding partnership between the business and charitable sectors. Each year the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship Program commits more than $1 million to make post-secondary education dreams a reality for youth-in-need, ultimately helping to break the cycle of poverty in their family. Since the programs inception in 1998, the lives of 420 young people – and their families – have been changed with support from CIBC Youthvision. CIBC created the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship Program in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and YMCA Canada. The goal of the program is to provide kids with access to the right tools and resources, such as financial support, internships and strong mentoring relationships, so they can overcome any barriers and achieve their full potential. In 2012, 30 grade 10 students were awarded CIBC Youthvision scholarships, valued at up to $38,500 each. To date, CIBC has committed more than $14 million to support the dreams of 420 CIBC Youthvision scholarship recipients and make their post-secondary education dreams a reality, ultimately helping break the cycle of poverty in their family. Grade 10 students enrolled in a mentoring program with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada or the YMCA annually apply for the CIBC Youthvision Scholarship Program, of which 30 are selected to receive $38,500 in combined work placements and tuition. The winners receive six summer internships through the YMCA that begin right after Grade 10 and a $4,000 annual contribution towards tuition for four years. They continue to receive ongoing mentoring from either Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada or the YMCA until they graduate from their post-secondary education. In addition to the scholarships, each of the students take part in CIBC Money Smarts for Students Seminar helping them shape their financial futures as they prepare to head off to college or university.

What Is CIBC Doing? CIBC is helping break the cycle of poverty by: Keeping kids in school Providing access to post-secondary education Mentoring and leadership programs Supporting healthy nutrition and active living Keeping kids safe

Meet our 2012 Youthvision award recipients

	For what matters			CIBC Youthvision and the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games Learn more »

Learn more about Youthvision on www.cibc.com

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CIBC Children’s Foundation
On CIBC Miracle Day, the first Wednesday of December each year, CIBC’s wholesale banking employees and participating CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisors donate their fees and commissions to the CIBC Children’s Foundation – a registered charity responsible for distributing funds raised on CIBC Miracle Day.

The CIBC Children’s Foundation is focused on funding programs that help kids achieve their potential and overcome obstacles such as poverty, physical impairment and learning disabilities.

Many non-profit organizations operate across the country with innovation and efficiency to affect positive change in the lives of children in need.

Annually, these grants help more than 450 children’s charities across Canada make miracles happen in our communities every day.

	For what matters			A Children’s Tradition Since 1984 Learn more »

Watch how CIBC Miracle Day impacts children across Canada

Learn more about CIBC Miracle Day on www.cibc.com

CIBC Children’s Foundation Grants
In 2012, with funds raised through CIBC Miracle Day, the CIBC Children’s Foundation and hundreds of CIBC Wood Gundy advisors provided grants and designated their Miracle Fund budgets to support local charitable organizations across the country. Some of these include:

Moorelands Community Services
CIBC has been a long time supporter of Moorelands Community Services. Together, we believe that all kids have the potential to shine as leaders and achievers. Moorelands offers over 1,500 spaces of quality after-school, leadership, day camp and wilderness camp programming that help Toronto children and youth from low income, under-serviced neighbourhoods strengthen their confidence, competence and character and make positive connections with peers, adults and their communities. In 2012 we donated over $80,000 towards after school and leadership programs at Moorelands.

The Canadian Safe School Network
The Canadian Safe School Network (CSSN) is a national, not-for-profit, registered charitable organization with a mandate to reduce youth violence and make schools and communities safer. They work collaboratively with community members from both private and public sectors along with police services, school boards and different levels of government to become actively engaged and involved to find new solutions to the problem of youth violence. In 2012, CIBC contributed $20,000 towards The Canadian Safe School Network to help empower youth to actively engage in reducing violence in their schools and communities in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Red Cross Family Support Program When CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisor David Papau heard about the Red Cross Family Support Program, he knew it would be a special place for him to invest his CIBC Miracle Day donations. In the past 10 years alone, he has personally raised over $200,000 through CIBC Miracle Day for donation to children’s charities in Vancouver. “Without donors like David so many little programs, like ours, would have a hard time existing,” says Marilyn MacDonald with the Red Cross. “CIBC Miracle Day connects people with the means to give to families who need help. This is what leads to strong communities.”

Breakfast for Learning
Breakfast for Learning is the first national organization dedicated to child nutrition programs and education in Canada. Breakfast for Learning’s mission is to educate and empower communities across Canada to start and sustain successful school nutrition programs in order to enhance learning and the healthy development of children and youth. With a $25,000 donation from CIBC, Breakfast for Learning ensures that children receive the healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks needed to succeed in school, contributing to a brighter future and ensures that every child in Canada attends school well-nourished and ready to learn.

Phoenix House As a long-time donor of Phoenix House and former Treasurer of the Board, Bruce Towler, First Vice-President, Investment Advisor with the CIBC Wood Gundy Halifax main branch has witnessed the transformation that occurs when youth go from living on the streets to making Phoenix House their home. Over the past 10 years, the Halifax branch has given over $300,000 to children’s charities like Phoenix House as a result of CIBC Miracle Day. Bruce recognizes the importance of helping those where you live and do business. “Our business is part of the community and we owe it to our fellow community members to support those in need,” says Bruce Towler. “CIBC Miracle Day is a great opportunity to fulfill this commitment.”

MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre
Since 1980, CIBC has been a supporter of the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre. With its 26 family-centered programs, the MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre has supported clients and families by enhancing the quality of those using their services so that they can move towards a life of independence. In 2012, CIBC donated $15,000 towards the Multiple Impairment Program, which helps maximize a child’s development so they are more likely to have a better future and improved quality of life.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada has been a leading provider of programs to children and youth that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of hundreds of thousands of young people and their families each year. Funds raised on CIBC Miracle Day helped organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs support kids in need in over 125 communities across Canada.

“I started going to the Boys and Girls Club because I didn’t have anything to do," says 11 year-old David. "The thing I like the best about the Boys and Girls Club is the gym and the homework help which really helps me. Thank you CIBC Miracle Day for supporting the Boys and Girls Club.”

Manon, who is 12, appreciates the contribution CIBC Miracle Day funds make to her local Boys and Girls Club. "CIBC is doing a really good job and they should continue to do that because it’s giving a place for kids to go instead of staying on the streets and doing bad things.”

Easter Seals
As a former Special Olympics coach, CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisor Joe Maione saw that the first hurdle these families had to get through to help their child was money. Over the past 10 years, Maione has personally donated his time and money to children’s charities like Easter Seals Summer Camp through CIBC Miracle Day.

“Joe is an inspiring example of a business success story giving back to the community. He has partnered his own contribution with those of the CIBC Children’s Foundation raised through CIBC Miracle Day and donated tens of thousands of dollars and he does so without being asked. This is the true definition of generosity and unselfishnes,” says Carolyn Bunting, O’Connor Events Manager, Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie.

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Education and Scholarships
The cost of an education is considerably higher than it was a generation ago. For many highly promising students, scholarships and education support is absolutely essential to their success.

CIBC has long recognized the importance of investing in education. We aspire to level the playing field by empowering all students across Canada to take an active role in being tomorrow’s leaders. Every year, we invest millions of dollars in scholarship funding, skills training and mentoring to improve the lives of thousands of young people across Canada.

This includes $15 million committed to Canadian universities and colleges, with more than $9 million of this directed to post secondary bursaries and scholarships.

Mount Royal University
CIBC funded $500,000 worth of bursaries for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education – Elementary program at Mount Royal University to help Calgary’s next generation of teachers.

“Bursaries are a top priority for Mount Royal University,” said David Docherty, President, Mount Royal University. “As our Bachelor of Education – Elementary program grows, and more and more students progress through the four-year degree, so too will their need for essential financial support. CIBC shares this understanding. We are so grateful to CIBC for this incredible show of support, not only for our students, but for quality of education in our post-secondary institutions and in our elementary programs as well.”

Trent University CIBC dedicated a $200,000 gift to establish the CIBC Nursing Awards, a fund to help first year nursing students at Trent University. Twenty-four students entering the Trent-Fleming School of Nursing received the new awards, valued at up to $2,500 each. "Awards like this make it possible for students to concentrate on their studies," said Dr. Kirsten Woodend, Dean of the Trent-Fleming School of Nursing. "We’re very grateful to have CIBC’s support in making our students a priority. "CIBC, through its lead sponsorship of causes like the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure, has long been associated with caring for the health of Canadians. We’re proud to have such a committed partner," adds Woodend.

Junior Achievement
A partner since 1967, CIBC has long understood the importance of supporting financial literacy. Over the past three years we have donated more than $300,000 towards financial literacy programs in underserved communities across Canada.

Frontier College
In 2012, CIBC renewed its commitment of $225,000 to Frontier College over the next three years. Early literacy and school success are essential to ensuring young people reach their full potential. CIBC understands the importance of supporting literacy programs that target high needs communities where students are at risk of falling behind.

“CIBC, as a corporate partner with Frontier College, has helped impact communities across Canada since 1936! The money they have donated to us amounts to $1.6 million over the years but their contribution is so much more. What makes them a true partner is that they have valued us for so many years and so many of their staff have given their time to us. We are a better, stronger organization because they are with us!” Sherry Campbell, President and CEO, Frontier College.

Vancouver Sun Raise-a-Reader The Vancouver Sun Raise-a-Reader campaign exists to empower today’s children and families with tools to improve their reading skills. These skills are the foundation for lifelong learning that significantly affects the quality of life and the health and social economic well-being of individuals, families and communities. CIBC has been involved with Raise-a-Reader in Vancouver since 2000 and in 2012 continued this tradition as a gold sponsor of the campaign. CIBC employees volunteered their time on September 20th selling special edition Vancouver Sun newspapers with funds supporting Raise-a-Reader literacy programs. “The Vancouver Sun Raise-a-Reader campaign was created to empower children and families with tools to improve their reading skills. We are very grateful for long-term sponsors, like CIBC, whose support ensures literacy programs through the Raise-a-Reader campaign are available to everyone so these skills can be acquired.” Jamie Pitblado, VP, Promotions & Community Investment, Pacific Newspaper Group.

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Mentoring and Leadership
At CIBC we feel that giving kids a good start in life is one of the best ways to ensure they grow up to be healthy, successful adults.

We contributed over $2.5 million to support programs aimed at building confidence and life-skills for youth. Our goal is to help kids be all they can be by supporting organizations and programs that will help them do well in school, graduate on time and make a successful transition into post-secondary education and adulthood.

Some of the programs that we support include: LOVE CIBC is committed to breaking the cycle of violence in the lives of youth across Canada by supporting Leave out Violence (LOVE) since 2003. More than $375,000 has been contributed to support LOVE’s after-school Leadership Training Program across Canada and its Northern Visions rural-to-urban youth project in British Columbia. “Thanks to the LOVE program. I am proud of who I am. I recognize my strengths and see how the traumatic experiences I went through have shaped my life for the better. Today, I hold my head high,” LOVE youth leader.

Edmonton’s Youth Emergency Shelter Society
Through organizations like Edmonton’s Youth Emergency Shelter Society (YESS) CIBC supports programming towards emergency care, helping to ensure that youth have qualified counselors, a warm place to call home and any other resources they may need to regain control of their lives.

Covenant House
At CIBC, we want to provide young people with the confidence, skills and support as they work towards independent living. Our work with Covenant House supports Rights of Passage, a 6–24 month supported living program for young people who are working towards independence at Toronto’s Covenant House, Canada’s largest shelter for homeless youth.

Phoenix House
CIBC is committed to supporting programs to curb youth homelessness through early prevention. This includes Halifax-based Phoenix Prevention Program & Community Development Initiative in Mulgrave Park which aims at prevention through in-school, summer and after-school programs.

Student Work Experience and Education Program
With a $15,000 donation from CIBC, the Student Work Experience and Education Program (SWEEP) in Winnipeg has given over 50 kids the opportunity to gain work experience in various work placements across the city. Each placement has a mentor attached to the youth for support. Without these placements, youth would not have the opportunity to experience the value of working and the rewards that come with building strong relationships within a working environment.

The Street Youth Planning Collaborative A $15,000 grant from CIBC provided housing supports for youth at the Street Youth Planning Collaborative (SYPC). SYPC strives to provide street-involved and homeless youth in Hamilton with a wide range of supports that helps get them off the streets. In the past year, the Street Youth Planning Collaborative has assisted 242 street youth involved and homeless youth find a place to call home. Being in this environment promotes stability while providing them an opportunity to achieve their education and employment goals.

Dans La Rue
With a $5,000 donation from CIBC, Dans La Rue a grassroots, community-based organization that works with street kids and at-risk youth aged 12 to 25, is able to provide homeless youth with food, shelter and support through a variety of outreach programs.

"Dans la Rue is proud of its new partnership with CIBC. Their generosity will have a positive impact on homeless youth," says Aki Tchitacov, Managing Director.

Skills for Change
We support mentoring and skills development programs for newcomers through our contributions toward such programs as Skills for Change’s New Pioneer Awards – CIBC’s relationship with Skills for Change supports our commitment to diversity in the workplace.

“Skills for Change is deeply connected to clients and invested in their success. As a key supporter for Pioneers for Change, the Diversity@Work conference and Mentoring for Change, CIBC enriches our programming in ways that we could not achieve with government funding alone. Without our partnership with CIBC, we would not be able to deliver on our mission statement. “We envision a Canada where every immigrant succeeds,” says Surranna Sandy, Interim Executive Director, Skills for Change.

Action Nouvelle Vie CIBC supports education, training and skills development in underserved communities including Action Nouvelle Vie in Longueuil, Quebec. This organization provides practical support to families and individuals who are struggling with poverty. Action Nouvelle Vie has also been distributing school supplies to schools in disadvantaged areas, reaching a total of 2,500 children. “Thanks to our generous partners like CIBC, a value of more than $100,000 in school supplies and clothing was distributed to children and families in difficulty during the Back to School event. We made a difference in the lives of these people,” says Suzanne Fournier, Executive Director, Action Nouvelle Vie.

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