Sun Life's popular Musical Instrument Lending Library program expands to the
Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries
ST. JOHN'S, July 31, 2018 /CNW/ - Atlantic Canada
continues to expand its musical horizons as the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries has
become the latest library on the East coast to join the Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library program.
Newfoundland native Alan Doyle, actor, producer,
best-selling author, and best-known as lead singer for Newfoundland's beloved Great Big Sea
for 20+ years was on hand to help announce the new program.
St. John's is the third city in Atlantic Canada and the
tenth in the country to join the Musical Instrument Lending Library program, allowing St John's
area residents the opportunity to borrow a variety of musical instruments from their local public library, free of charge. Just
like taking out a book, anyone with a valid library card can borrow a musical instrument for their own personal enjoyment.
Through the program, over three million library cardholders across Canada now have access to
musical instruments.
"As Newfoundlanders, we have a long and celebrated tradition of music and have been an important contributor to Canada's unique and varied musical heritage. Whether the songs are steeped in tradition or strive for
something new, music is something that can connect all people," said Keith Vincent, St. John's
Financial Centre Manager, Sun Life Financial. "At Sun Life, we want to help build healthy, sustainable communities for life, and
we are delighted that more people in St. John's will have the opportunity to experience the
positivity of music first-hand."
In addition to donating 150 musical instruments including guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, violins, drums, portable
keyboards, etc., Sun Life is making a philanthropic donation of $140,000 to the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries to fund the program's operating costs. 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 a fundamental 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.
"This wonderful program will contribute greatly to the library's role as an inclusive community space in which to explore
diverse passions and engage in lifelong learning," said Susan Prior, Manager of the St. John's
Public Libraries. "We are so excited by the opportunity to reach out in new and diverse ways to our patrons through the
generosity of Sun Life Financial's Musical Instrument Lending Library."
The Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries will also be holding a musical instrument
donation drive running from July 31 to August 24 to add to the collection; so now more people have
the opportunity to access instruments and explore the joy of music. Residents of the St. John's
region may drop off their donations of new or gently used guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, violins, drums and portable
keyboards at the AC Hunter Library or Long & McQuade, 48 Kenmount Road, St. John's. Please
visit www.nlpl.ca or call 709-737-3950 for more information.
The Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library program was first launched at the Toronto Public Library and has
since expanded to the Vancouver, Montréal, Calgary,
Kitchener, Ottawa, Fredericton, Regina and Halifax Public Libraries. The program is an overwhelming success at all
libraries.
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
DiabetesTM platform; and arts and culture, through our award-winning Making the Arts More
AccessibleTM 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 Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries
Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries (NLPL) has been an integral part of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador since its inception in 1935.
Newfoundland and Labrador Public Libraries work to ensure that library materials, free access to the internet and programs
are available to meet the needs of the Province's people. This is provided through a network of 94 public libraries in
communities large and small throughout the Province. These libraries are organized into four divisions – Western
Newfoundland and Labrador Division, Central Division, Eastern Division and Provincial Resource Division (St. John's Public
Libraries). Provincial Administration's headquarters are located in Stephenville, NL. The
Provincial Information and Library Resources Board is responsible for all public library services in Newfoundland and Labrador under the Public Libraries Act.
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 Contact:
Hannah Stewart
Senior Communications Specialist
Sun Life Financial
t. 647.256.2136
hannah.stewart@sunlife.com
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada
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