CIBC Steps Up to Help Mixed Company Theatre

Toronto, March 8, 2010 ’Äì CIBC has provided $6,000 for a lead sponsorship of ’ÄúDISS,’Äù Mixed Company Theatre’Äôs newest interactive play. Developed through a collaborative creative partnership with youth, the Toronto Police Service and support from the Toronto District School Board, this project focuses on gang presence in our neighbourhoods and the pressures youth face finding social connection and identity.

’ÄúAt CIBC, helping young people achieve their full potential is an important part of our community investment program,’Äù said Bill Whyte, CIBC’Äôs Vice-President of Retail Markets for GTA Central. ’ÄúWe are pleased to sponsor this very innovative approach that will help local youth cope with the issues that challenge them so they can lead happy and healthy lives.’Äù

CIBC 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’Äôs 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.

’ÄúWith CIBC’Äôs support, Mixed Company will deliver ’ÄúDISS’Äù to 12 schools this spring,’Äù said Daniel Booth, General Manager of Mixed Company Theatre. ’ÄúThe interactive nature of this Forum Theatre play engages young audiences, creating practical solutions for them to overcome social and personal issues in their lives. Through this unique tool, Mixed Company stimulates critical thinking by annually engaging over 20,000 students across the GTA.’Äù