St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation receives $309,000 from Manulife Financial LPGA Classic

Year-over-year increase of $59,000; raised through tournament proceeds and fundraising efforts

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WATERLOO, ON, Sept. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - As the official charity partner of the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation received an increased total donation of $309,000 in 2013, raised through tournament proceeds and fundraising efforts. The funds will support the hospital's innovative volunteer programs, arrhythmia program, in addition to continuing to raise awareness about the importance of women's heart health. 

"St. Mary's does wonders for the region in terms of heart health education and treatment, community engagement and volunteerism," said Marianne Harrison, President & CEO, Manulife Canada. "The increased donation will certainly have a lasting impact on the hospital and its programs for years to come."

The increased donation was attributed to new and more successful fundraising efforts by all stakeholders.

"Manulife Financial has been a vital partner in enabling St. Mary's to become one of the province's pre-eminent providers of cardiac care, while providing us the unique opportunity to enhance our volunteer program," said Peter Sweeney, President, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation.  "We're thrilled that they have continued to invest in the heart health of our community and the hundreds of volunteers who help us deliver our promise every day."

Since St. Mary's General Hospital first began providing cardiac care in 2001, Manulife Financial has been one of the Regional Cardiac Care Centre's key philanthropic partners, contributing nearly $3 million to support patient care.

Heart Health and Cardiac Excellence

St. Mary's and Manulife Financial's charitable partnership is a meaningful collaboration in the promotion of heart health and patient care. St. Mary's is proud to be the Regional Cardiac Care Centre for Waterloo Wellington with a highly specialized program that is committed to ensuring patients in the region have the best health care possible. The cardiac program is comprised of an expert, interdisciplinary health care team that provides a full range of cardiac services with compassion, respect, and a commitment to excellence.

Commitment to Volunteerism

In addition to promoting heart health, Manulife Financial and St. Mary's General Hospital share a common commitment to volunteerism. Funding from the Manulife LPGA Classic will ensure continued development of volunteer programs at St. Mary's that have positive impact for patients and their families. 

Another successful tournament

The second-playing of the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic, held at Grey Silo Golf Course in Waterloo, Ontario was a great success for the region once again.

"Giving back to local communities in a lasting, impactful way is one the main objectives of the LPGA and its tournaments," said Richard Kuypers, Tournament Director, Manulife Financial LPGA Classic. "The response we've received in the Waterloo Region has been incredible during the past two years, and because of this overwhelming support, we were able to present St. Mary's with this sizeable donation."

Shining a global spotlight on Waterloo Region, the tournament received community-wide support and 1,200 volunteers invested their time and talent to the event. Over 127,000 people have attended the tournament in the event's two years history.  Hee Young Park outlasted Angela Stanford in an exciting three-hole play-off to become the 2013 Champion.

Information on the third annual Manulife Financial LPGA Classic will be available soon.

About the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic

The Manulife Financial LPGA Classic is one of only two Canadian stops on the LPGA Tour and features a standard eligibility field of 144 players, 72 holes of stroke play and a purse of $1.3 million. The tournament took take place July 8-14, 2013 at Grey Silo Golf Course in Waterloo, Ontario, home of Manulife Canada's corporate headquarters. Viewers from over 150 countries around the globe tuned in to watch the action from home. 

About Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Clients look 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 also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were C$567 billion (US$539 billion) as at June 30, 2013. 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 manulife.com.

About the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA)

The LPGA is the world's leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women's golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

About Sports Properties International

Sports Properties International was created to provide an environment where communities and spectacular sporting events can come together, connected by a common interest. Sports Properties International can be found on the Internet at www.sportspropertiesinternational.com.

About Bruno Event Team

Bruno Event Team (BET) is a Birmingham, Alabama-based sports marketing and event management company formed in 1996 by Ronald Bruno and Gene Hallman. Bruno Event Team is experienced in all facets of event management, employing a year-round staff of more than 60 employees in nine offices around the United States and one office in Canada.  Bruno Event Team services each client with expertise in all aspects of event marketing and operations.  A steadfast commitment to excellence is maintained through vast experience, a strong work ethic and demanding attention to detail. Visit www.brunoeventteam.com for additional information. 

SOURCE: Manulife Financial Corporation

Media Contacts:

Richard Kuypers 
Manulife Financial LPGA Classic Tournament Director
Manulife Financial LPGA Classic
519-884-5742

Brooke Tucker-Reid 
Media Relations Consultant
Manulife Financial
416-434-0635

Angela Volpe 
Manager, Communications
St. Mary's General Hospital
519-749-6412