Manulife Financial announces major commitment to supporting volunteerism in Canada

New signature cause program will focus on preparing Canadians to help build a better future

WATERLOO - Inspired by the longstanding community work of Manulife Financial employees and the financial advisors who represent the corporation, Manulife is making a major commitment to supporting volunteerism in Canada.

"Millions of Canadians rely on Manulife to help them prepare for the future. But there is another future that we all have a stake in building as well," says Paul Rooney, President and CEO, Manulife Canada. "Today, we're announcing that we're preparing Canadians to help build a strong future for Canada by making a commitment to supporting volunteerism across the country."

Volunteers are essential to addressing some of the country's biggest social challenges and problems. While many Canadians believe in the importance of volunteering and giving back, some find it difficult to know where to turn to find a volunteer opportunity. In response, Manulife is committed to inspiring Canadians to give back and to supporting initiatives that help Canadians match their unique skills and talents with meaningful volunteer opportunities.

"We see ourselves living this commitment in two key ways. First, we'll be reaching out to Canadians to inspire them about what volunteerism can and does mean to Canada, and to encourage them to find their own volunteer opportunity," says Nicole Boivin, Senior Vice-President, HR and Communications, Manulife Financial - Canadian Division. "Second, in partnership with Volunteer Canada and other leading non-profit organizations, we'll be supporting a host of initiatives which promote volunteer opportunities that capitalize on people's unique skills, talents and interests."

Manulife believes that every volunteer, every volunteer act, and every hour given back helps Canadians prepare to build a stronger future for Canada. And preparing for the future is something that Manulife gets behind every day.

"We're thrilled to be working with Manulife to harness the power of volunteerism," says Ruth MacKenzie, President, Volunteer Canada. "We look forward to creating a long-term partnership that will support a growing volunteer movement in this country."