TORONTO, April 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial Inc.
(TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) announced today that it will donate
C$50,000 to the Canadian Red Cross as
it responds to the ongoing emergency in Ecuador. The contribution will come from the
Sun Life Financial International Response Fund at the Canadian Red
Cross, which enables support to be deployed rapidly to areas in
need.
A state of emergency has been declared for Ecuador after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake has
devastated the coastal region, followed by a second magnitude 6.2
earthquake, claiming hundreds of lives and injuring thousands more.
With roads badly damaged, bridges collapsed, and power supplies
affected, food, water and sanitation, shelter and health assistance
for survivors are immediate priorities. The Red Cross and a
National Disaster Response Team have been deployed to carry out a
rapid assessment of the humanitarian needs following the
earthquake.
"Our thoughts are with the people of Ecuador and supporting them, in addition to
the volunteers on the ground who are providing first aid, and
helping with search, rescue and relief efforts," said Paul Joliat, Assistant Vice-President,
Philanthropy & Sponsorships, Sun Life Financial.
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 make a donation to the Ecuador Earthquake Appeal
to support the Canadian Red Cross response efforts.
About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services
organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth
products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun
Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide,
including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong
Kong, the Philippines,
Japan, Indonesia, India, China,
Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December
31, 2015, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had
total assets under management of $891
billion. For more information please visit
www.sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New
York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the
ticker symbol SLF.
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.