WATERLOO - Manulife will donate $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support efforts to assist those affected by flooding along the Red River in Manitoba. This flood is expected to be one of the most severe of the past 100 years.

"We have been advised by the Canadian Red Cross that hundreds of people will need help in the days and weeks ahead and we're pleased that we can support these efforts," said Paul Rooney, President and CEO, Manulife Canada. As the Manitoba flood of 2009 unfolds people are trying to cope. Ice jams, river levels and overland flooding have wreaked havoc for many. Hundreds have been evacuated from their homes, while many more remain on standby. For those forced to evacuate some will be unable to return home for days and weeks. Those who have lost their homes are faced with a long road to recovery. The Canadian Red Cross in Manitoba has been actively responding to this crisis since the flood threat began. Donations to the Manitoba Flood Response will be used to address those urgent and essential recovery needs of affected residents. These services may include food, household goods and transportation.

How you can make a donation:

- Call toll free at 1-800-418-1111

- Online at www.redcross.ca

- In person at your local Red Cross office in Winnipeg at 1111 Portage
Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3G 0S8 or in Brandon at Unit 3-613 10th
Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4G6

By mailing a cheque or money order (no cash in the mail, please) to your
local Red Cross office