Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada teams up with the Toronto Maple Leafs and MLSE Foundation to provide children living with diabetes a once in a lifetime hockey experience

TORONTO, March 3, 2016 /CNW/ - Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada ("Sun Life") is proud to team up with MLSE Foundation and the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fight against diabetes. This unique partnership will provide children living with type 1 diabetes, who may otherwise not have the financial means to play hockey, the opportunity to participate in a one-week hockey camp this summer. Participants will have the opportunity to develop life skills such as teamwork, self-confidence and respect, while learning the game of hockey and how they can manage their disease on and off the ice.

"We're thrilled to team up with the MLSE Foundation in the fight against diabetes," said Paul Joliat, Assistant Vice-President, Philanthropy & Sponsorships, Sun Life Financial. "At Sun Life, we see first-hand the physical and financial impact diabetes can have on families. It's programs like these that support our continued efforts to empower Canadians to join us in both preventing and managing this disease."

As part of the program, Sun Life will donate $500 to MLSE Foundation for every assist on a goal scored by the Leafs at all home games in March. Sun Life has also called on Leafs Nation to participate in this program. Each time fans tweet or retweet #SunLifeAgainstDiabetes during Leafs home game days in March, an additional $5 will be donated, up to a total maximum donation of $50,000.

"This program is a great way to get children living with type 1 diabetes active and excited about healthy living," said Michael Bartlett, Executive Director, MLSE Foundation. "With Sun Life's help, we're engaging both the Toronto Maple Leafs and its passionate fan-base into making a positive impact in the community, while helping children with limited financial means learn positive life skills and how to manage their disease."

A portion of the money donated will also fund a hockey clinic for children living with type 1 diabetes at the MasterCard Centre for Hockey Excellence hosted by Sun Life and the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 14. The clinic will include a diabetes education component that will inform the community's youth about how to best manage their disease and the importance of regular exercise and nutrition to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Toronto Maple Leafs alumni will be on-hand to participate in the clinic which will give these children an opportunity to learn and to spend time with their hockey heroes.

Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada is a member of the Sun Life Financial group of companies.

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 has 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 December 31, 2015, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $891 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.

About MLSE Foundation
MLSE Foundation believes all kids should have access to sport and the opportunity to develop lasting dreams on the playing field. With the support of MLSE's teams, the Foundation funds the refurbishment of local athletic facilities and programs that support kids through sports and recreation. Since launching in December 2009, the MLSE Foundation has invested more than $19 million into our community. For more information visit www.mlsefoundation.org, or follow @MLSEFoundation.

Note to Editors: All figures in Canadian dollars. 

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Inc.