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A $250,000 donation from Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) is helping the University of New Brunswick (UNB) launch the Sun Life Financial Living Well with Diabetes Initiative to assist those living with diabetes or who are at risk for developing the disease. The donation is part of Sun Life Financial's Team Up Against Diabetes program, and is another step towards the company’s goal of preventing diabetes and its related complications. Sun Life Financial made the announcement today, along with representatives from UNB.

“This new program will connect the residents of the greater Fredericton area with increased diabetes awareness, prevention and care services,” said Paul Joliat, Assistant Vice-President, Philanthropy & Sponsorships, Sun Life Financial. “The University of New Brunswick carries a reputation for both quality and success and we are excited to team up with them to launch this unique initiative.”

The Sun Life Financial Living Well with Diabetes Initiative will raise awareness of the lifestyle factors that contribute to both preventing and managing diabetes. Participants will have access to free education sessions on the importance of physical activity and healthy living with expert physiologists, dietitians and physicians. Resources to help adopt effective preventative and care strategies such as subsidized personal training and recreation services, and nutrition workshops will also be offered.

“Sun Life Financial is a leader in the fight against diabetes, and we are thrilled to partner with them to launch this exciting program,” said Eddy Campbell, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of New Brunswick. “The Sun Life Financial Living Well with Diabetes Initiative will continue to build on the work of our growing centre of excellence in health and wellness.”

The funding will allow UNB to expand its services currently delivered through the Sun Life Financial Fitness Assessment Centre (SLFFAC), now in its ninth year of operation. The SLFFAC enables kinesiology researchers, graduate and undergraduate students to work together to deliver personalized fitness programs to improve the strength and health of participating students and community members.

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.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

About the University of New Brunswick

The University of New Brunswick (UNB) is one of Canada’s oldest English-language universities and one of the first public universities established in North America. Founded in 1785, the multi-campus institution is home to over 60 research centres and institutes, groups and ongoing projects. The university offers over 75 undergraduate and graduate programs in 100 disciplines. UNB has over 10,500 students from more than 100 countries, and several thousand more take UNB courses online and at partner institutions around the world.

Media contacts

Alessandra Nigro: Manager, Corporate Communications, Sun Life Financial, T. 416-979-4884, C. 416-859-6918

Hannah Classen: Communications Officer, University of New Brunswick