CIBC raised a total of $3.1 million for children’s charities on its annual Miracle Day fundraiser on Dec. 3, the bank announced on Thursday.

During the annual event on the first Wednesday of December, CIBC World Markets sales and trading employees and CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors donate all fees and commissions to charities dedicated to improving the health, well-being and education of children.

The funds raised this year fall slightly short of the $3.4 million raised during last year’s Miracle Day. But amid the current market turmoil, event organizers were pleased with the results.

“Our employees and our clients once again delivered for children across the country,” said Richard Nesbitt, chairman and CEO of CIBC World Markets. “For Miracle Day to be one of our busiest trading days of the year in these tough market conditions demonstrates how important children’s charities are not only to our employees but to our clients.”

The money raised will be distributed to hundreds of children’s charities including children’s hospitals, health research, emergency shelters, counseling, education and recreational opportunities, meal programs and special programs for children in need.

One of the charities, the Bloorview Kids Foundation, has received $300,000 from the CIBC World Markets Children’s Foundation in the past three years. It uses the cash towards helping children and youth with disabilities to realize their potential and become active and independent participants in their communities.

“Kids with disabilities have many special needs beyond basic healthcare. The gift from the CIBC World Markets Children’s Foundation enables independence training, mentoring and respite care for families,” said Valerie McMurtry, president and CEO of Bloorview Kids.

Over the past 24 years, Miracle Day has raised more than $44 million in Canada.

IE