CIBC employees raised more than $3.5 million for children’s charities in Canada on CIBC Miracle Day, December 2, the bank said Friday.

Every year since 1984, on the first Wednesday in December, CIBC wholesale banking sales and trading staff and CIBC Wood Gundy investment advisors have donated their fees and commissions to support children in need across the country. In the past 25 years, Miracle Day has raised more than $55 million in Canada. Last year, more than $3.1 million was raised.

“Once again our employees and clients stepped up to support children across the country,” says Richard Nesbitt, chairman and CEO, CIBC World Markets Inc.

“By trading with us on Miracle Day our clients made sure that thousands of children in Canada will have a brighter 2010. This demonstrates how important children’s charities are not only to our employees but to our clients.

“I’m proud that at a time when many charities are facing concerns over donation levels, we were able to raise over $3.5 million for hundreds of children’s charities. This money will support health research; emergency shelters; counselling; education and recreational opportunities; meal programs; and specialized programs for children in need.”

IE