Regional partnerships and programs:
University of British Columbia (UBC)/Canadian Men’s Health Foundation (CMHF)
With Sun Life Financial’s support, the UBC/CMHF recently launched You Check, a gender-based, online self-risk assessment program. The tool, created by UBC, is the first men's online health awareness tool of its kind. You Check provides men with a customized report, suggestions for improving their quality of life and advice on how to establish healthy habits. Launched by the new Canadian Men's Health Foundation (CMHF), You Check enables men to assess their risk for serious illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, depression, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, low testosterone and osteoporosis. The female version of this tool is currently in development.
CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation
In May 2013, Sun Life Financial committed $1 million over 5 years to the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation, aimed at expanding their CIRCUIT program, which promotes healthy lifestyles for young people at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. This donation will support over 200,000 families across Quebec over the 5 year partnership.
Diabète Québec
Annual screening clinics are held in conjunction with Diabète Québec in all of our Quebec financial centres. In addition, Sun Life Financial provided a grant to support a junior researcher and the creation of a Prevention Zone on the Diabète Québec website.
Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) Foundation
Sun Life Financial is proud to be a sponsor of the Diabetes Resource Centre on AboutKidsHealth.ca, a leading family education resource that delivers trusted, medically approved health content in multiple languages for families around the world. The content follows the progression of diabetes from symptom recognition, to diagnosis, treatment and long-term outcomes, to help families understand diabetes.
Montreal Canadiens
Through Sun Life Financial’s partnership with the Montreal Canadiens, during the month of November Sun Life Financial donated $1,000 to the Diabetic Children's Foundation for every goal the Canadiens scored at home (up to $20,000). The public was also encouraged to take part in fundraising efforts and Sun Life donated $1 for every tweet, retweet or share using the #monactiondiabète hashtag.
Sun Life Financial is also joining the team for the now-famous Canadiens-Evenko blood drive in cooperation with RDS, and will be hosting a diabetes screening clinic in conjunction with Diabetes Québec.
University of Winnipeg
Sun Life Financial has funded the UWinnipeg Sun Life Diabetes Awareness and Education Program at the University of Winnipeg. The program targets inner-city youth and at-risk populations between the ages of 10 and 15. These at-risk populations include people of First Nations, Hispanic, Asian, South Asian and African descent, as these groups are at an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The program focuses on education about diabetes, the risk factors for and consequences of the disease, and prevention strategies including good nutrition and physical activity. Making healthy lifestyle choices is a key step in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes.
University of New Brunswick
Sun Life Financial has given the University of New Brunswick (UNB) $250,000 to help launch the Sun Life Financial Living Well with Diabetes Initiative, to assist those living with diabetes or who are at risk of developing the disease. The initiative raises awareness of the lifestyle factors that contribute to both preventing and managing diabetes. Participants have access to free education sessions on the importance of physical activity and healthy living with expert physiologists, dietitians and physicians. They also have access to effective preventative and care strategies such as subsidized personal training and recreation services, and nutrition workshops. Sun Life’s funding has allowed 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 kinesiologists to deliver personalized fitness programs to improve the strength and health of participating students and community members.
Wilfrid Laurier University
Sun Life Financial has committed $500,000 to establish the Sun Life Financial Centre for Physically Active Communities in partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University. The centre supports research and community outreach in high-priority neighbourhoods to children at risk of developing obesity and chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. This innovative program focuses on physical activity and nutrition education to give caregivers and children the foundation they need to make healthier lifestyle choices and ultimately reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.