VANCOUVER, Oct. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - Thanks to a $300,000 donation from Sun Life Financial, the Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM) will continue helping underserved and at-risk youth gain access to world-class music programs at no cost.

"Donations like Sun Life's, allow our students - all 519 of them - a chance to develop new music skills, as well as find confidence, creativity and a sense of community," said Rob Appleton, Executive Director, Sarah McLachlan School of Music. "Achieving our goal of helping children find inspiration through music and fostering a sense of belonging, is only possible through our generous donors and supporters," Appleton added.

This three-year partnership is part of Sun Life Financial's national, award-winning Making the Arts More Accessible™ program. The heart of the program is aimed at providing Canadians the opportunity to enjoy the very best of our country's arts and cultural community, regardless of their means.

For Carmen, a recent graduate of the school, having access to the SoM music program was a pivotal point in her life. "Having a place to go, explore, learn, create and just be myself taught me that I have something to offer and anything is possible. If it wasn't for the Sarah McLachlan School of Music, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I have the courage to take risks and strive to be a better musician. I'm a more confident performer and feel most comfortable expressing myself through music."

Sun Life Financial is honored to be supporting the vision of Grammy and Juno Award-winning Canadian music icon Sarah McLachlan. Sarah's dream of making a difference by bringing music into the lives of young people who might not have access, reflects the core goal of Sun Life Financial's signature Making the Arts More Accessible™ program.

"We're thrilled to provide children and youth who wouldn't otherwise have the means with the opportunity to experience how music can open doors and change their lives," said Paul Joliat, Assistant Vice-President, Philanthropy & Sponsorships, Sun Life Financial. "We are committed to funding arts and culture initiatives that bring colour to a community, give confidence to children and inspire young minds to grow and blossom."

In 2001, the school opened its doors in East Vancouver. Funded by partners and fundraising donations, the program is offered at no cost to students accepted into the program. Students receive group and private instruction in guitar, piano, percussion, voice, choir, songwriting, music theory and new media.

For more information about what Sun Life Financial's donation means to the Sarah McLachlan School of Music as well as to learn more about Sun Life Financial's Making the Arts More Accessible™ program, visit www.sunlife.ca/artsandculture.

About the Sarah McLachlan School of Music
The Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM) provides top quality music instruction at no cost, in a safe and nurturing environment, for at-risk and underserved children and youth in grades 4-12. SoM reaches hundreds of students every year, providing them with the space and tools they need to express themselves. The school offers them a community to cultivate healthy relationships, connect and collaborate with others and with themselves, develop the skills they need to explore their creative potential, and ultimately build confidence.

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.

Image with caption: "Sarah McLachlan accepts a $300,000 donation from Sun Life Financial's Paul Joliat, Assistant Vice-President, Philanthropy and Sponsorships to help support her School of Music. (CNW Group/Sun Life Financial Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141006_C7077_PHOTO_EN_42963.jpg