Manulife leads by example, commits up to $85,000 to Halifax United Way
Leadership Challenge

Senior executive to co-chair 2010 campaign

HALIFAX, Feb. 25 /CNW/ - Manulife Financial will commit up to $85,000 for a "Manulife Financial Challenge Grant" to commemorate the 85th anniversary of Halifax United Way and spur local donations to this year's fund-raising campaign.

The program will match new and increased donations at the leadership level ($1,000 or more to the Community Fund) to support the Halifax United Way's 2010 campaign.

Manulife's commitment was announced today at a campaign breakfast event by Manulife executive Joanne Keigan, who will co-chair the 2010 Halifax Region United Way Campaign with well-known local consultant Robert Chisholm.

"Manulife and our executives have demonstrated a clear and sustained belief in the value of matching donations to leverage generous giving," Ms. Keigan said. "Employee, retiree and advisor gifts are already matched by Manulife. This new Leadership Challenge grant will extend beyond our own annual campaign and encourage giving at more significant levels right across our community."

Ms. Keigan, Manulife Vice President Operations, Group Benefits, has also served for the past two years on the Campaign Management Team as Chair of the Finance Division.

"Joanne is an ideal co-chair for this year's efforts and has been key to our campaigns in the past," said Candace Stevenson, Chair of the Halifax United Way Board. "The Manulife Financial Challenge is a great boost to our campaign efforts."

Paul Rooney, President and CEO, Manulife Canada, added: "Manulife is proud to be a significant contributor to United Way campaigns in major centres where we do business in Canada. In Halifax, we're particularly proud of Joanne's leadership role, which reflects Manulife's support beyond financial donations, including Day of Caring projects and loaned representative program."

Manulife employees have been supporters of the United Way since 1947 and the company's 2009 Halifax campaign surpassed $156,000.

About Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 22 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers customers 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 Cdn $440 billion (US$ 420 billion) as at December 31, 2009.

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 www.manulife.com.

For further information: Media Contact: Tom Nunn, Manulife Financial, [phone], [email protected]