TORONTO, CANADA – Manulife will be giving each of its 35,000 employees around the world the spending equivalent of $50 CAD in their local currency to ‘pay it forward’ and create acts of kindness in their local communities this holiday season. In the Philippines, Manulife’s 1,200 employees will participate in the initiative.
“We believe that our success as a Company depends on the success of the communities we serve,” said Manulife President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Roy Gori. “By giving back, even with a small gesture, we can and will help make the world a better place.”
“Manulife Philippines is part of a global company committed to making every day better for its customers and the wider communities it operates in,” said Manulife Philippines President and CEO Richard Bates. “In light of the unique challenges we are facing in these times, it is important for us to mobilize the Manulife community to find ways to spread kindness wherever our Company is present.”
Manulife is encouraging employees around the world to donate gifts or make donations to individuals or organizations in their communities. As well, contributions can be pooled with other colleagues should they wish to demonstrate their support collectively. Employees will be encouraged to share their stories of support on social media using the hashtag #ManulifeActofKindness. All posts and stories will be shared on www.manulife.com/actofkindness.
In addition, Manulife and its US arm John Hancock have taken a range of actions this year to support communities around the world. In response to COVID-19, Manulife has made donations of nearly $5 million focused on several critical fronts, including food security for the most vulnerable; supporting the well-being of health care workers; enabling mental health support through digital programs; offering financial relief to customers; and facilitating matching donations and virtual volunteer programs. In the Philippines, Manulife has its award-winning Peso Smart financial literacy program to support distance learning for elementary school children. The insurer also provided free insurance protection to over 85,000 app-based delivery riders, who were among the frontliners that enabled Filipinos to access essential items like food and medicine during the height of the lockdowns in the country.
