2006 News Releases

Halifax - Manulife Financial announced this morning a generous gift to Saint Mary’s University — one which will have far reaching benefits for Nova Scotians.

At a special ceremony held at the Tower Courtside Lounge, the well known financial institution presented the University with a cheque for $100,000. In honour of this special gift, the University in turn announced at this morning’s event the naming of the Manulife Heart for Life Program at Saint Mary's.

The program began at the University in its present form in 1999, while a precursor exercise program was established in 1981 by the Canadian Council of Cardiovascular Nurses and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. The program is designed to improve the health and well-being of heart patients who have either had, or are at risk of having heart disease, heart attack, heart surgery or angina.

Those who spoke at the event included Dr. David Murphy, Director of the Athletics and Recreation Department at Saint Mary’s, Gerard Ferguson, Regional Vice-President of Group Atlantic, Manulife Financial, and Dr. J. Colin Dodds, President of Saint Mary’s. Almost 60 guests attended this morning’s ceremony.

“This gift from Manulife Financial will touch the hearts of Santamarians and Nova Scotians for many years to come,” said Dr. Murphy. “Manulife has a strong relationship with the Athletics department at Saint Mary's and we are proud to have this program newly named Manulife Heart for Life.”

Ferguson indicated that his financial institution is proud to support Saint Mary’s.

“The Manulife Heart for Life Program gives Nova Scotians the tools to take control of their own healthy futures,” said Ferguson, who added that as a Saint Mary’s alumnus he was pleased to be back on campus for today’s announcement. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree from Saint Mary's in the Spring of 1975.

“Manulife Financial has a proud tradition of supporting the communities where we live and work. The Manulife Heart for Life Program fits perfectly with our charitable program focus, which aims to improve the health and welfare of all Canadians.”

Dr. Dodds indicated that the gift from Manulife Financial is another milestone in the evolution of Saint Mary’s.

“It is my privilege to recognize the generous support from Manulife Financial,” said Dr. Dodds. “This contribution is an investment in our future and one that will pay big dividends for decades to come as we continue to evolve to meet the growing needs of our University and our community.”

A special Manulife Heart for Life plaque was unveiled at the event, which exemplifies how corporate support helps the University and the wider community grow together. The gift presented this morning supports the University’s Hearts & Minds Capital Campaign, which will fund priority projects including new academic space, and facilities for a health and wellness centre and arena that will serve students, faculty, staff and the community. Increased financial aid for students, enhanced academic and research funding and improved childcare services round out the list. The goal of the Hearts & Minds Campaign is $40 million. To date, the University has received over $24 million from corporations and individuals for the Campaign.

Manulife Financial has a proud tradition of supporting the communities where we live and work. The Manulife Heart for Life Program fits perfectly with the company's charitable program focus, which aims to improve the health and welfare of all Canadians.

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For More Information:
Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca