John Hancock's 2013 Boston Marathon Fundraising Program Nets A Record $7.9 Million for Non-Profit Organizations

BOSTON, Aug. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- John Hancock's 2013 Boston Marathon Fundraising Programs raised nearly $8 million for Non-Profit organizations as part of the 117^th running of the historic race on April 15, 2013.  The record total for 2013 represents a 16 percent increase over 2012's fundraising results. 

As part of John Hancock's sponsorship of the Marathon, each year the company provides non-profits with guaranteed entry numbers ("bibs") that enable funds to be raised for their organizations.  More than 1,000 runners helped raise funds and awareness for 146 organizations this year. 

Included in that total, 154 employee runners from John Hancock and parent company Manulife Financial raised more than $285,000 in 2013, a 44 percent increase over 2012.  Funds raised by employees benefited the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, Ron Burton Training Village, Pathways to Education Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada.

"The Boston Marathon is a tremendous force for good, made evident by the impact the fundraising has on our community and the causes represented in the Marathon Non-Profit Program," said Craig Bromley, President of John Hancock. "Our employees and all non-profit runners are a source of pride each year as they dedicate their running to benefit our community partners and raise awareness in support of worthy causes throughout Greater Boston."

Among the 146 organizations benefitting from the 2013 program were:  MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, The Hoyt Foundation, and Joe Abruzzi Foundation.

"John Hancock's program for non-profits has helped Boston Medical Center raise an incredible $550,000 over the last two years," said Kate Walsh, President and CEO of Boston Medical Center. "This program allows Team BMC runners to raise funds to support the residents of Boston having access to critical services."

2013 marks the 28th year of John Hancock's landmark sponsorship of the legendary Boston Marathon.  John Hancock is committed to its long-standing partnership with the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) to support one of the world's premier sporting events.  Over the past 28 years, the official B.A.A. Charity Program and John Hancock's own Non-Profit Program have combined to raise more than $170 million for community-based organizations.  

For the second consecutive year, John Hancock utilized a centralized online fundraising platform for its program through a partnership with CrowdRise™ (www.crowdrise.com/2013bostonmarathon), an innovative online fundraising web site for individuals, charities and events.  

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife Financial
John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife Financial, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$567billion (US$539 billion) as at June 30, 2013. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, fixed products, mutual funds, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

For more information about the Boston Marathon:
www.johnhancock.com/bostonmarathon/index.html             
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Twitter @jhboston26
Twitter @bostonmarathon

For more information about John Hancock Boston Marathon Non-Profit Fundraising:
http://www.johnhancock.com/bostonmarathon/bostonmarathon_nonprofit.html 

SOURCE John Hancock Financial