University of Winnipeg
Sun Life’s partnership with University of Winnipeg helped create a program to educate youth and children on prevention of type 2 diabetes. The Diabetes Awareness and Education Program helps children between the ages of 10 and 15 learn about diabetes and prevention strategies including good nutrition and physical activity. It encourages the development of healthy habits, which is crucial in the prevention and management of diabetes.
William Osler Health Foundation
In partnership with the William Osler Health Foundation, Sun Life supports two diabetes initiatives – the Sun Life at Risk Diabetes Initiative and the Sun Life Osler Global Health Program.
Sun Life at Risk Diabetes Initiative: The program supports people at risk for or with prediabetes in the form of workshops on food preparation, diet and exercise. It recruits participants through William Osler Health System Outreach program and Pediatric Lifestyle Clinic.
Sun Life Osler Global Health Program: The program supports diabetes screening and treatment to benefit patients in high priority communities in India and Pakistan.
Wilfrid Laurier University:
Sun Life’s partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University helped establish the Sun Life Centre for Physically Active Communities. The program provides physical activity programming for youth and children, including those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in high priority neighborhoods, such as new comers to Canada and Indigenous communities.
Diabetes Québec
In 2012, Sun Life became a major partner of Diabetes Québec to advance our new commitment to prevent type 2 diabetes. Over years of collaboration, Sun Life’s contributions have enabled Diabetes Québec to:
- Create the first website dedicated to the prevention of type 2 diabetes in Quebec.
- Run a televised diabetes prevention advertising campaign.
- Operate diabetes screening clinics for employees and the public.
- Establish a funding program for local affiliated associations.
- Develop educational tools about the mental health impacts of diabetes (stress, depression and acceptance).
Promote Universi-D, the diabetes school launched by Diabetes Québec.
Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation
In the fall of 2020, Sun Life became presenting sponsor of the Foundation’s BLEU BLANC BOUGE Ball Hockey program. Sun Life’s support will help establish the program in 6 regions in the province – initially Montreal, Laval and Montérégie and then Estrie, Lanaudière and Mauricie. With sessions in the fall, winter and spring, the program will run in multiple communities across Quebec, allowing more than 1,900 children to learn the basics of ball hockey and develop new social and motor skills. By focusing on teamwork and fun, the program helps children in underserved communities develop the tools and skills they need to make healthy lifestyle choices and live a more active life, which in turn will help protect them from chronic diseases like diabetes.
Montreal Heart Institute Foundation
In 2018, the Montreal Heart Institute Foundation announced the creation of the Diabetes Prevention Clinic sponsored by Sun Life. The only one of its kind in Canada, this multidisciplinary program is offered at the Montreal Heart Institute's EPIC Center, the largest cardiovascular disease prevention centre in Canada.. The program meets a growing demand for preventive services for patients with diabetes and prediabetes, chronic conditions currently affecting 1 in 3 Canadians. The Diabetes Prevention Clinic’s mission is to turn the tide on diabetes through early detection and healthy lifestyle strategies and offers concrete and practical health programs that have a positive and lasting impact on patient health.
Tougo
Sun Life is a major partner of TOUGO, an initiative of the Government of Quebec. This philanthropic partnership aligns with Sun Life’s diabetes prevention and mental health commitments.
TouGo is a new, 100% Quebec platform of tips, tools and contests aimed at inspiring Quebecers to take charge of their physical and mental health through simple actions every day.
