Sun Life Financial increases support up to $100,000 as Canada sets to welcome Syrian refugees

TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2015 /CNW/ - As thousands of Syrians prepare to seek refuge in Canada, Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) is responding to the Government of Canada's call to support settlement efforts. Sun Life has launched an employee and advisor donation matching program with all funds going to the Canadian Red Cross to support Syrian refugees starting a new life in Canada. Employee and advisor personal donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Sun Life Financial up to a total maximum of $50,000. This is in addition to the $50,000 Sun Life Financial already donated in September 2015 to support the international Syrian relief efforts of the Canadian Red Cross.

"Sun Life Financial is pleased to be working closely with the Canadian Red Cross who has extensive experience with refugee arrivals and is well-equipped to assist as Canada offers sanctuary to families forced to flee their homeland to escape violence and unrest," said Paul Joliat, Assistant Vice-President, Philanthropy & Sponsorships, Sun Life Financial.

Millions of people have been displaced since the Syrian crisis began five years ago. The Government of Canada is preparing to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees to Canada, with a large group arriving by the end of December.

"We're proud to join the global community to help meet the most critical needs of the Syrian families arriving in Canada," said Kevin Dougherty, President, Sun Life Financial Canada. "Our employees and customers understand the importance of an immediate response to support relief efforts that can make a difference to the lives of so many."

Canadians wishing to support families as they transition to their new lives in Canada are encouraged to make a financial donation to the Syrian Refugee Arrival Appeal. Donations can be made online at www.redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111, or at your local Red Cross office.

About Sun Life Financial
Celebrating 150 years in 2015, 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 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 September 30, 2015, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $846 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.

Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars. 

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.