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 AccessibleTM 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
[email protected]
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada
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