Sun Life Financial contributes $50,000 to support relief efforts for those affected by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa

Canadian Red Cross to use funds for life-saving assistance on the ground

TORONTO, Oct. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial announced today it will contribute $50,000 to support relief efforts for those affected by the Ebola virus in West Africa. The contribution will come from the Sun Life Financial International Response Fund at the Canadian Red Cross, which will allow the emergency support to be deployed rapidly to the area.

"With the outbreak of Ebola raging through Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, the number of cases of this deadly virus is increasing exponentially with each passing day," says Mary De Paoli, Executive Vice-President, Public & Corporate Affairs and Chief Marketing Officer, Sun Life Financial. "This truly is a global emergency, and with major intervention from countries and organizations around the world, we can help curb the spread of this disease, care for those who are affected, and provide dignity and support to those who have lost loved ones."

Providing funds to the Canadian Red Cross means those affected will get access to critical, life-saving help right on the ground. This includes a treatment centre, mobilizing aid workers, caring for the deceased so families can safely bury them, monitoring for infection to prevent the spread of the virus and educating those in affected areas with life-saving messages.

"The Canadian Red Cross is extremely grateful for this generous donation from Sun Life Financial," says Conrad Sauvé, secretary general and CEO of the Canadian Red Cross.  "Their support will help the Red Cross continue to provide life-saving services to communities in West Africa affected by the ongoing Ebola epidemic."

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 it accelerate emergency response to large-scale international crises. Administered by the Canadian Red Cross, the Fund has helped provide immediate relief and resources to disasters in Canada and around the world.

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 and its partners have operations in key 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 June 30, 2014, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $684 billion.

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

Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars.

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.