Sun Life Financial donates $25,000 to support communities impacted by Eastern Canada floods

TORONTO, May 9, 2017

Heavy rainfall has caused extensive flooding in several provinces across Canada, forcing thousands of people from their homes and communities. Persistent, steady rains have put provinces including Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and British Columbia on heightened alert for flooding, and local Red Cross volunteers are currently active across the country, providing a variety of services based on the need in each region. Red Cross volunteers are working alongside local authorities to provide support including information, registration and family reunification, emotional well-being assistance, lodging, food, first aid, and providing cots and blankets to those who have been displaced.

"We are committed to helping our Clients and communities impacted by the floods and our thoughts are with our neighbours, families and friends who have been affected," said Robert Dumas, President, Sun Life Financial Quebec. "We are helping support the Red Cross and their network of highly trained disaster response volunteers who are now on-site to ensure people's needs are being met."

Sun Life Financial is encouraging impacted Clients who require special assistance or have any questions to call 1-877-SUN-LIFE (1-877-786-5433), email custrel@sunlife.com, or contact their Sun Life Financial advisor.

The Sun Life Financial International Response Fund, the first international corporate sponsorship of its kind, was established in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross in 2005 to help accelerate emergency response to large-scale international crises. Administered by the Canadian Red Cross, the Fund has helped provide immediate relief and resources to natural disasters and crises in Canada and around the world.

Canadians can donate to the Spring Floods 2017 Appeal, which will be used to provide essential support for any of the most affected regions in Canada. Canadians wishing to help those affected inside Quebec specifically can contribute to the Spring Floods 2017 Appeal – Quebec Designation.

About Sun Life Financial in the community
At Sun Life Financial, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life and we're proud to hold the Caring Company designation from Imagine Canada. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on two key areas: health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives through our Team Up Against Diabetes^TM platform; and arts and culture, through our award-winning Making the Arts More Accessible ^TM program. We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering over 40,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada. Read more about Sun Life Financial in the community.