Mr. Dave Jones reports

SUN LIFE EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH SPIRIT NORTH TO ADDRESS HEALTH INEQUITIES IN UNDERSERVED INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES

Sun Life Financial Inc. is expanding its existing partnership with Spirit North with a $1-million commitment in financing over three years. This financing will help deliver physical health programs to an estimated 6,000 indigenous youth in the province of Manitoba and Yukon territory.

"Millions across the country are prediabetic or living with Type 2 diabetes. Indigenous youth are 25 times more likely to be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes than non-indigenous youth," said Dave Jones, president, Sun Life Health. "By expanding access to physical activities, we're helping indigenous youth get active and make health a priority. We hope our partnership will make a real difference for those who may not have access to important community programs."

Spirit North works collaboratively with individual indigenous communities to co-create and deliver physical activity and land-based programs based on the unique cultures, traditions, languages and values of each community. Children and youth participate in activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing and shelter-building throughout the school year.

"We are incredibly grateful for this support from Sun Life and the meaningful impact that it will have on our programs and ability to reach and engage indigenous children and youth across the country," said Beckie Scott, founder and chief executive officer of Spirit North. "Together with Sun Life, we will ensure some of Canada's most vulnerable and marginalized youth have access to high-quality sport and play programs with proven health and wellness outcomes. It is truly a win-win and we couldn't be more happy or proud to be embarking on this important journey together."

Sun Life's existing partnership with Spirit North started in 2021 and has reached more than 1,500 Indigenous youth. Eighty-nine per cent of participants surveyed reportedly met or exceeded the recommended daily amount (60 minutes, per World Health Organization guidelines) of physical activity by taking part in these programs, and 100 per cent of participants' parents noted their child's levels of joy and overall wellness improved.

The financing will extend programming to 10 communities in Manitoba and four communities in Yukon by year three.

As a sustainability-driven organization, Sun Life helps people live healthier lives through pro-active and preventive health and wellness programs to build stronger, healthier and more inclusive communities.

Sun Life in the community

Sun Life is sustainability-driven, focusing on areas where it can have the greatest impact. By actively supporting the communities in which Sun Life lives and works, the organization can help build a positive environment for clients, employees, advisers and shareholders. Physical health and mental health are at the centre of its philanthropic support, with a focus on supporting programs and organizations that strive to empower Canadians to live their healthiest lives no matter where they are in their journey. Sun Life employees and advisers take great pride in volunteering and giving back to make life brighter for individuals and families across Canada.