Sun Life Financial has a long-standing focus on proactive and preventive health and wellness programs that help build stronger, healthier communities.

Dr. Stanley Kutcher, the Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health (a collaboration between Sun Life, Dalhousie University, IWK Health Centre and the community in Halifax, Canada), developed the High School Curriculum Guide in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association. This guide consists of a teacher self-study module and 6 modules designed to be implemented by educators in their classroom programming. These modules cover key areas designed to help students become better-informed about mental health.

Recently, Sun Life donated $100,000 to support Ebola relief efforts for those affected by the deadly virus in West Africa. We channeled our support through the Sun Life Financial International Response Fund at the Canadian Red Cross, which helps provide emergency relief to large-scale international crises. Our support in West Africa included building a treatment centre, mobilizing aid workers, caring for the deceased so families could safely bury them, monitoring for infection to help prevent the spread of the virus and helping to educate those in affected areas.

To apply for funding, read our Philanthropy Program Guidelines.