Popular Musical Instrument Lending Library program expands to Halifax Public Libraries

HALIFAX, July 11, 2018 /CNW/ - Maritimers will be humming a different kind of tune today as residents of the Halifax area will now be able to borrow musical instruments from the Halifax Public Libraries, free of charge. Similar to taking out a book, the Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library program allows anyone with a valid library card the opportunity to borrow a wide range of musical instruments such as guitars, banjos, and drums, to name a few.

Halifax is the ninth city in Canada to benefit from this innovative initiative. Through the program, over three million library cardholders across Canada now have access to musical instruments.

"Music is a large part of the Maritime spirit and we're so excited to be able to bring this program to Halifax. Music has the ability to connect us with one another, while allowing us to express ourselves on a deeper level," said Paul Joliat, Assistant Vice-President, Philanthropy and Sponsorships, Sun Life Financial. "At Sun Life, our Purpose is to help our Clients achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives which is why we are thrilled to allow more Canadians the opportunity to experience the joy of making music."

Sun Life Financial (Sun Life) is making a philanthropic donation of $140,000 to the Halifax Public Libraries to fund the program's operating costs. In addition to donating 150 guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, violins, drums, and portable keyboards, Sun Life has also created a series of videos to assist with the use, care and enjoyment of the instruments. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned musician, the program is perfect for anyone looking to explore the vast world of music.

The Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library is an integral part of the company's philanthropic support of arts and culture through Sun Life's award-winning Making the Arts More Accessible^TM program. Sun Life believes arts and culture should be celebrated within our communities and made available to everyone, regardless of their means.

"A public library is a place of possibility, where our community feels encouraged to explore and participate in activities that fuel their passions and interests," said Åsa Kachan, Chief Librarian and CEO for Halifax Public Libraries. "Music brings tremendous value to people's lives. When someone plays an instrument for the first time, or a musician curiously borrows a new type of instrument, we are encouraging community members to find new ways of learning and expressing themselves."

The Halifax Public Libraries will also be holding a musical instrument donation drive running from July 11 to August 11 to add to the collection so that more people will have access to instruments. Residents of the Halifax region may drop off their donations of new or gently used guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, violins, drums, and portable keyboards at any Halifax Public Library branch. Please visit halifaxpubliclibraries.ca for more information.

The Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library was first launched at the Toronto Public Library, expanding to the Vancouver, Montréal, Calgary, Kitchener, Ottawa, Fredericton and Regina Public Libraries and has been an overwhelming success.

Sun Life Financial in the community
At Sun Life Financial, we are committed to building sustainable, healthier communities for life and we're proud to hold the Caring Company designation from Imagine Canada. Community wellness is an important part of our sustainability commitment and we believe that by actively supporting the communities in which we live and work, we can help build a positive environment for our Clients, Employees, advisors and shareholders. Our philanthropic support focuses on two key areas: health, with an emphasis on diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research initiatives through our Team Up Against Diabetes^TM platform; and arts and culture, through our award-winning Making the Arts More Accessible ^TM program. We also partner with sports properties in key markets to further our commitment to healthy and active living. Our Employees and advisors take great pride in volunteering over 29,000 hours each year and contribute to making life brighter for individuals and families across Canada. Read more about Sun Life Financial in the community.

About Halifax Public Libraries
At Halifax Public Libraries, people are at the heart of all we do. We believe every individual in our community wants to thrive and contribute. Supporting this collective growth is why we exist. Comprised of 14 branches, Halifax Public Libraries serves the over 400,000 residents of Halifax with our collection of close to 1 million items and a wide range of services creating dynamic public spaces for everyone. By building on our commitment to access, diversity, service, and technology, Halifax Public Libraries attracts more than 3.6 million in-person visits each year. Reflecting our community, we are a resource for everyone and a launch point for growth.

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

Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars.

Media Relations Contacts:
Hannah Stewart
Senior Communications Specialist
Sun Life Financial
t. 647.256.2136
[email protected]

Kasia Morrison
Communications Officer
Halifax Public Libraries
t. 902-490-5852
[email protected]

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada

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