Sun Life Financial donates $50,000 to support Ecuador earthquake emergency relief

TORONTO, April 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) announced today that it will donate C$50,000 to the Canadian Red Cross as it responds to the ongoing emergency in Ecuador. The contribution will come from the Sun Life Financial International Response Fund at the Canadian Red Cross, which enables support to be deployed rapidly to areas in need.

A state of emergency has been declared for Ecuador after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake has devastated the coastal region, followed by a second magnitude 6.2 earthquake, claiming hundreds of lives and injuring thousands more. With roads badly damaged, bridges collapsed, and power supplies affected, food, water and sanitation, shelter and health assistance for survivors are immediate priorities. The Red Cross and a National Disaster Response Team have been deployed to carry out a rapid assessment of the humanitarian needs following the earthquake.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Ecuador and supporting them, in addition to the volunteers on the ground who are providing first aid, and helping with search, rescue and relief efforts," said Paul Joliat, Assistant Vice-President, Philanthropy & Sponsorships, Sun Life Financial.

The Sun Life Financial International Response Fund, the first international corporate sponsorship of its kind, was established in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross in 2005 to help accelerate emergency response to large-scale international crises. Administered by the Canadian Red Cross, the Fund has helped provide immediate relief and resources to natural disasters and crises in Canada and around the world.

Canadians can make a donation to the Ecuador Earthquake Appeal to support the Canadian Red Cross response efforts.

About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2015, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $891 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.

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