Manulife Securities sponsors advisor planning to complete Seven Summits

BURLINGTON, ON, Nov. 23 /CNW/ - Francois Langlois, a financial advisor with Manulife Securities, will attempt Nov. 28 to complete the Seven Summits (the highest mountain on each continent) by climbing Mount Vinson in Antarctica.  If he succeeds, he will become one of only 170 climbers to have completed the seven top summits. 

Francois, a well-respected and successful financial advisor in the Montreal area, volunteers as a guide and leader for several charity expeditions and has raised more than $3.5 million for various childrens' charities to date.  The Mount Vinson climb is on behalf of the Charles Bruneau Foundation dedicated to the treatment of children fighting cancer while conducting ongoing research to find a cure.  The Foundation wishes that all these children can one day say: "When I grow up, I will be cured!"

Francois' commitment to climbing and volunteerism is an incredible story.  The youngest of five brothers, he was born prematurely at just four pounds.  His father, a physician, performed a symbolic baptism as he did not believe that his new son would survive the night.  Francois' condition deteriorated over the next few days and against all odds, he survived his ordeal and lived a healthy, happy childhood.  At the age of 12, his father shared the story of his early days as a newborn.  This conversation had a profound and lasting impression on him, inspiring him to live each day to the fullest.

In his early twenties, Francois had a dream to climb Mount Everest and had the great fortune to volunteer for an upcoming expedition.  As he reached the summit and looked out from the peak of Everest, a destination that some of the most skilled climbers never attain; Francois felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.  It was at that point that he made a decision to dedicate future climbs to children so that they too could live out their dreams.

"I have had the privilege and honour of living an incredible journey these last 10 years" says Francois.  "The people I have met, the climbers and trekkers I have guided, the friends for life I have made, and the money for the sick children I have helped raise.  I would like to pay special attention to my principal partner, Manulife Securities, in participating with me on my seventh and last summit.  I am very proud to have you, my own firm and colleagues on board with me.  I look forward to taking our flag to the top of the bottom of the earth!"

Rick Annaert, President and CEO, Manulife Securities commented: "We're extremely proud to be able to partner with Francois on his last and final climb.  Francois applies many of the principles of climbing to the principles of investing.  You have to have a plan, you have to be prudent and you have to be patient.  Francois believes each of those things is essential to a successful climb and to being a successful financial planner."  Annaert added "We wish Francois a safe journey and look forward to seeing him when he returns to Montreal in December."   

Manulife Securities will be tracking Francois' incredible journey with daily photos and dispatches starting November 23^rd.  These can be viewed at www.manulifesecurities.ca, or on Facebook (Manulife Securities) and on Twitter (ManuSecurities).

If anyone is interested in making a donation to the Charles Bruneau Foundation, please visit www.charlesbruneau.qc.ca/en/donations.

About Manulife Securities

Manulife Securities is one of Canada's pre-eminent financial organizations serving over 1300 independent investment professionals.  We provide advisors with comprehensive, industry-leading technology solutions, back-office operations and risk management all backed by expert service and training.  Our commitment to service excellence along with an expansive product offering; including stocks, bonds, mutual funds and insurance, provides investors with choices tailored to fit their financial goals and objectives.

About Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group operating in 22 countries and territories worldwide. For more than 120 years, clients have looked to Manulife for strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for their most significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We provide asset management services to institutional customers worldwide as well as reinsurance solutions, specializing in life and property and casualty retrocession. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$474 billion (US$460 billion) as at September 30, 2010. The Company operates as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia and primarily as John Hancock in the United States.

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
1-877-782-2363
[email protected]