Sun Life Financial sets up hotline to help clients in Alberta and donates over $100,000 to Canadian Red Cross to assist with relief efforts

TORONTO, May 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) has set up a special hotline and process for its clients and employees who have been impacted by the destruction caused by wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alberta. In addition, Sun Life Financial will be providing a corporate donation of $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to help residents who have been evacuated and have lost their homes, businesses, and livelihood. Additionally, employee and Sun Life advisor personal donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to an additional total corporate maximum of $25,000.

The devastating fires in Fort McMurray have had a significant impact on Sun Life Financial's clients, employees, and advisors who live and work in the area. "We are deeply saddened by the news and our thoughts are with the tens of thousands of people who have been forced from their homes and communities," said Kevin Dougherty, President, SLF Canada.

"We recognize the ordeal our clients, advisors and employees are facing and are committed to working with them at the appropriate time to find solutions that best meet their individual needs," said Dougherty. "Whether that means providing quicker access to funds and benefits, extension of payment terms or any other special handling that is required, we're here to help and talk through what's meaningful for them."

Sun Life Financial and Sun Life Global Investments are encouraging impacted clients who require special assistance to call 1-866-220-1230, or contact their Sun Life Financial advisor.

Sun Life Financial's contribution to the Canadian Red Cross 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. These fires represent the largest evacuation in Alberta's history and Red Cross teams are prepared to respond.

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 Alberta Fire 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.

Media Relations Contact:
Alessandra Nigro
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