Standard Life joins Haiti donors

MONTREAL , Jan. 29 /CNW Telbec/ - Over and above the contributions that Standard Life's international operations are making to assist the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12 , its Canadian unit has also joined these efforts with a $25,000 contribution to Development and Peace. The donation is the result of Standard Life's decision to match contributions from its employees across the country. In addition, the Federal Government will match the funds raised by employees.

"We are touched by the generosity of Standard Life and its employees as evidenced by their response to this horrible tragedy and their support for our work in Haiti . This gift is a real sign of Canadian solidarity and compassion," said Michael Casey , Executive Director of Development and Peace.

"We are proud of our employees' generous reaction to the situation in Haiti and humbled by the energy and originality that marked their fundraising efforts," said Joseph Iannicelli, President and CEO of The Standard Life Assurance Company of Canada . Mr. Iannicelli added: "We want to support Development and Peace's relief effort in Haiti and bolster its capacity to aid those affected by this terrible tragedy."

To date, Development and Peace has received $1.8 million in contributions for emergency relief in Haiti .

Standard Life is an international long-term savings and investment company with a 175-year history in Canada . With over 2,000 employees in Montreal and across the country, Standard Life serves more than 1.3 million Canadians, including group retirement and insurance plan participants.

Canadians can contribute to Development and Peace's emergency relief operation in Haiti by telephone at 1 888 664-3387, by internet at www.devp.org, or by sending a check made out to "Development and Peace" (please indicate Haiti Emergency) at:

    
                            Development and Peace
                   1425 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, 3rd Floor
                           Montreal, Quebec H3G 1T7
    

For further information: Kelly Di Domenico, [phone] Ext. 365, [email protected]