VANCOUVER, June 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Vancouver residents will now have access to the city's first musical instrument library - the Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library. Sun Life Financial and the Vancouver Public Library announced the launch of this innovative free program that will provide people with the opportunity to borrow a variety of instruments.
Sun Life has donated $130,000 as well as 100 instruments including guitars, ukuleles, violins and portable keyboard to establish the program. A special series of short videos have also been created by Sun Life to assist individuals with the use, care and enjoyment of the instruments. Whether you're a beginner picking up an instrument for the first time or a seasoned musician, this program is designed for anyone looking to explore the world of music.
This program is part of a national initiative that will see similar musical lending libraries launched in cities across Canada. The Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library was launched in April 2016 at the Parkdale Branch of the Toronto Public Library. In Vancouver, instruments are available at the central library downtown and can be borrowed free of charge with a valid VPL card.
"Music is such an important form of cultural and artistic expression - we're delighted to be part of supporting the creativity of Vancouver residents by making musical instruments more accessible," said Sandra Singh, Chief Librarian, Vancouver Public Library. "Thanks to the generosity of Sun Life, we're able to open more doors for Vancouverites to play and experience music - and in doing so, connect more people to the love of music. It's exciting to imagine all the music that will be created thanks to the Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library."
This new program is a natural extension of Sun Life's support of music education, one that aligns perfectly with the company's award-winning Making the Arts More Accessible™ program. It's Sun Life's belief that arts and culture should be celebrated within our communities and made available to everyone, regardless of their means.
"We are thrilled to be bringing this national program to Vancouver, helping to connect the community with the power of music," said Paul Joliat, Assistant Vice-President, Philanthropy and Sponsorships, Sun Life Financial. "We know first-hand the positive impact music can have on people's lives. It provides an opportunity for individuals to explore their creative side while developing new skills."
The library is also conducting a Musical Instrument Donation Drive running until July 4th. People may drop off their new or gently used musical instrument donations at any Vancouver Public Library branch and two participating Long & McQuade locations in Vancouver and Surrey. Please visit www.vpl.ca/instruments for more information.
The Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library was developed and executed in collaboration with Shaw Saltzberg of NextStage Entertainment Ltd.
Please click here to view the Mandarin version of this news release.
About Vancouver Public Library
Vancouver Public Library has been dedicated to meeting the lifelong learning, reading and information needs of Vancouver residents for more than 100 years. Our vision is an informed, engaged, and connected city. Our mission is a free place for everyone to discover, create and share ideas and information. Last year, VPL had more than 6.8 million visits with patrons borrowing more than 9.3 million items including: books, ebooks, CDs, DVDs and magazines. Across 21 locations and online, VPL is the most-visited major urban library per capita in Canada.
About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth products and services to individuals and corporate customers. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2016, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $861 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.
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
SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada
Image with caption: "The Vancouver Public Library and Sun Life Financial launch the Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library in Vancouver, BC. (CNW Group/Sun Life Financial Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160607_C9212_PHOTO_EN_44758.jpg
Image with caption: "Hedley's Jacob Hoggard and Tommy Mac help to kick off the Sun Life Financial Musical Instrument Lending Library in Vancouver, BC. (CNW Group/Sun Life Financial Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160607_C9212_PHOTO_EN_44759.jpg
Media Relations Contact:
Gannon Loftus
Manager, Media & PR
Sun Life Financial
T. 647.228.8244
[email protected]
Stephen Barrington
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Vancouver Public Library
T. 604.612.4059
[email protected]
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