The Give Agency and Sun Life Financial launch Montreal's biggest Think Tank to help local charities

Over 100 top marketing experts joining forces to empower non-profits with new strategies, tactics and ideas

MONTREAL and HALIFAX, July 5, 2017 /CNW/ - The Give Agency and Sun Life Financial Inc. (TSX: SLF) (NYSE: SLF) in association with Le Bénévolat d'entraide aux communicateurs (BEC) are joining forces to give Montreal charities access to the city's very best minds in advertising, strategy and communications – all free of charge. From September 26 - 28, Montreal's top idea rock stars will come together to help community groups tackle some of their toughest marketing and business challenges. Each day, volunteer "Givers" work collaboratively with a different charity using a high-speed "barn raising" process that directly embeds the client into the curating and harvesting of creative solutions specific to their work.

"We believe that great ideas can change the world which is why we founded The Give Agency," said Brian Hickling, Creative Director and Co-Founder, The Give Agency. "By tapping into top marketing and communications minds, we can deliver each charity with up to 100 new ideas they can use to ignite revenues, boost engagement and make their organizations more sustainable - all at zero cost. It's exhilarating. It's transformative. It's holistic. And most of all, it's fun. Our events in Toronto and Halifax have already produced some game-changing ideas, and we hope to raise the bar even further with the incredible talent in Montreal."

"At Sun Life Financial, we're focused on building sustainable and healthier communities in Quebec. We believe teamwork, internally and externally with agencies and philanthropic partners create strong added value for all parties. So it seemed natural for us to bring The Give Agency movement to Montreal," said Brigitte Dagnault, Assistant Vice-President, Marketing and Communications, Sun Life Financial, Quebec. "Montreal turns 375 this year, so what better way to celebrate than to showcase some of the incredible talent here and provide local organizations with the tools they need to shine and support positive change in our community."

Call for volunteers and Montreal non-profits
The Give Agency is also accepting applications Montreal non-profits interested in participating, as well as marketing, advertising, communications and strategy rock-stars interested in donating just a day of their idea power to help the community. To apply, please visit www.thegiveagency.ca/montreal.

About the Give Agency
Founded in Halifax in 2016 by Creative Director Brian Hickling, Communications Consultant Mike Maloney and Strategist/Filmmaker Chaz Thorne, the Give Agency is a social movement that provides top idea rock-stars in marketing, advertising, communications and strategy with a compelling way to put their skills to work for the community through fast-paced workshops. Leveraging a unique "barn-raising" process, the agency aims to deliver as much as 100 ideas in one day that help non-profits grow their revenues, boost engagement and enhance their sustainability – all free of charge. For more information, please visit www.theGiveAgency.ca.

About 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 40,000 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 BEC / NABS Canada
BEC is the Quebec chapter of NABS Canada - the only charitable group in the country set up exclusively to provide assistance to people in the communications and related industries who may need help due to illness, injury, unemployment or financial difficulties. NABS services include a national toll-free counselling HELPLINE (1-888-355-5548) and financial assistance, as well as personal and career counselling. NABS is supported 100% by the advertising and media industry, and has established chapters in B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec to provide services to all provinces.

Media relations contacts:

Mike Maloney
Co-Founder
The Give Agency
T: 902-225-4989
[e-mail]

Barbara Duroselle
Director, Corporate Communications
Sun Life Financial
T: 514-904-9673
[e-mail]

SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada