$50,000 in emergency support following earthquake in Nepal

TORONTO, April 28, 2015 /CNW/ - Sun Life Financial announced today it will contribute $50,000 to support relief efforts for those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25th. The contribution will come from the Sun Life Financial International Response Fund at the Canadian Red Cross, which will enable emergency support to be deployed rapidly to the area.

"We want to offer our sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones and to all who have been affected by this devastating earthquake," said Dean Connor, President and CEO, Sun Life Financial. "We are donating $50,000 to the Red Cross to assist in the recovery efforts."

Sun Life Financial's donation will be used to meet the critical needs of residents who have been displaced and are without power and water. It will help support the Red Cross in their efforts to meet basic needs of those affected by providing food, clothing, cots, blankets, hygiene kits and emergency shelters.

"When such disasters occur, it's important the global community comes together and helps those in need," said Kevin Strain, President, Sun Life Financial Asia. "With a large number of employees and customers throughout Asia, we understand the importance of immediate response to natural disasters of this magnitude".

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 in Canada and around the world.

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 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 December 31, 2014 the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $734 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.