Sun Life Financial Hamilton/Burlington Financial Centre gives back to the community.

For over 25 years, Sun Life has partnered with United Way at both the national and local levels. Through employee, corporate giving and internal special events, Sun Life has raised an incredible $230,564.76 for United Way Burlington & Greater Hamilton.

We believe it is our responsibility to be good corporate citizens, ” said Rick Prior, Financial Centre Manager, Sun Life Financial. “Our philanthropy program has supported many registered charities and their various causes over the years, helping to improve the lives of individuals and families in the communities where we live, work and do business.”

The Hamilton/Burlington Financial Center initiative is inspired by United Way’s traditional Day of Caring model which provides local businesses and corporate employees with an opportunity to learn about social issues, community agencies and services. Last year, Sun Life advisors donated their time, talent and directed corporate sponsorship dollars to revitalize the Threshold School of Building’s education space in Hamilton. After witnessing the positive impact their support had on the organization first-hand, Sun Life Hamilton/Burlington was eager to keep the momentum going.

This year, United Way supported agency, the Children’s International Learning Centre (CILC) was chosen. The CLIC provides a space in the downtown Hamilton core, which uses arts and recreation as a foundation to creating a positive, inclusive and nurturing environment for those that would not have an opportunity to explore the arts.

Through the upcoming initiative, the Children’s International Learning Centre will have two program rooms refreshed, updated and revived to become more welcoming, inclusive and versatile so everything is in place for the 2017-2018 school year. As the CILC is a non-profit and relies heavily on community and corporate donations as a means of keeping admissions costs low, directing funds for upkeep or much needed renovations has not been feasible.

“We are grateful to Sun Life for making this possible. They have shown incredible generosity and commitment over many years and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to work so closely with them to benefit the agencies that United Way supports” says Julian Foreman, United Way Halton & Hamilton Campaign Manager.