Sun Life Financial launches diabetes program to support preventative research across Canada
TORONTO, Aug. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Today marks the beginning of the Sun Life Financial Kick Diabetes program in support of JDRF. In partnership with the Canadian Football League (CFL), Sun Life will make a $101 donation to JDRF every time a successful field goal is kicked during the CFL regular season, up to $40,000, to honour the 101st playing of the Grey Cup Championship Game.
"We're excited to partner with JDRF and the CFL to shine a light on diabetes prevention in Canada," said Mary De Paoli, Executive Vice-President, Public & Corporate Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer, Sun Life Financial. "The Kick Diabetes program will support preventative research in local communities across Canada and raise awareness of this disease. Together we can make a difference."
Sun Life is committed to preventing diabetes and its related complications and this initiative supports the important work being done by JDRF.
"We see the first-hand effects that diabetes has on a family and a person's well-being", said Andrew McKee, President and CEO, JDRF. "The Kick Diabetes program will help fund crucial research to prevent diabetes and its complications and help those already living with diabetes in communities across the country."
The Sun Life Financial Kick Diabetes program runs until November 2, 2013. Each successful field goal made will be tallied at the end of the CFL season and a donation of $101 per field goal, up to a maximum of $40,000, will be made to JDRF. They will direct the funds to their affiliates in the cities where the teams who kicked the successful field goals are located.
"We are proud to partner with Sun Life in their efforts in raising awareness for diabetes prevention", said CFL Commissioner, Mark Cohon. "We have the best fans in Canada and we are confident that this program will invoke excitement for a good cause."
Canadians are urged to get involved. Visit www.kickdiabetes.ca for an opportunity to contribute to diabetes prevention in your community. You can 'donate a kick' by selecting your favourite team online. Sun Life will then donate an additional $10,000 to JDRF in the city whose team accumulated the highest number of "donated kicks" by the end of the regular season. In addition to having an opportunity to give back to local communities, participants can win CFL prizes. For tips on healthy living and diabetes prevention, visit BrighterLife.ca.
About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial and its partners have operations in key 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 June 30, 2013, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $591 billion. For more information, please visit sunlife.com.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.
About JDRF
JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Driven by passionate, grassroots volunteers connected to children, adolescents, and adults with this disease, JDRF is the largest charitable supporter of T1D research. The goal of JDRF is to improve the lives of every person affected by T1D by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating, and preventing T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners who share this goal.
Since its founding in 1970, JDRF has awarded more than $1.7 billion to T1D research. More than 80 percent of JDRF's expenditures directly support research, research-related education and advocacy. Past JDRF research efforts have helped to significantly improve the care of people with this disease, and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered.
For more information, please visit jdrf.ca.
About the Canadian Football League
This is today's CFL: star athletes playing a great game in modern venues. This is the inaugural season of Winnipeg's Investors Group Field. It's the home of Grey Cup 101 this November in Saskatchewan. It is where the Ottawa REDBLACKS will debut in 2014, just as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats take the field in their beautiful new stadium. This is our league: proudly Canadian and steeped in tradition, but built for the future.
SOURCE: Sun Life Financial Canada
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