Sun Life Financial sets up special process to help residents of Slave Lake

$25,000 donation from Sun Life to Canadian Red Cross will assist relief and rebuilding efforts in the Alberta community

TORONTO, May 25, 2011 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial has set up a special process for its clients who are affected by the widespread destruction that wildfires caused in Slave Lake, Alberta. As well, a corporate donation of $25,000 from Sun Life Financial to the Canadian Red Cross will help residents who have lost their homes, businesses, and livelihood.

The devastating fires in Slave Lake have had an enormous impact on Sun Life Financial's clients, employees, and advisors who live and work in the community. "We're shocked and saddened by the images we're seeing from Slave Lake," said Kevin Dougherty, President, Sun Life Financial Canada. "Our thoughts are with everyone who has been touched by this tragedy, including our clients and colleagues."

Sun Life Financial is partnering with the Canadian Red Cross to direct funds immediately to relief efforts in Slave Lake. Donations from the company following disasters like forest fires, floods, and tornadoes help to meet the critical needs of victims without delay, including medical care, food, clothing, and emergency shelters.

"From a business perspective, we're working with our advisors and employees, finding solutions for our clients in a very specific and personal way," said Dougherty. Sun Life Financial has approximately 2,000 policyholders in the Slave Lake region.

Clients requiring special assistance should contact their Sun Life Financial advisor.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2011, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $469 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.