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Manulife Financial donates $1 million to Montreal Neurological Institute campaign

Published: 1 October 2007

Manulife Financial strengthened its commitment to Canadian healthcare today with a $1-million donation to the ā€˜Thinking Ahead Campaignā€™ at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (MNI), affiliated with ±«ÓćÖ±²„ and the ±«ÓćÖ±²„ Health Centre.

The donation by Manulifeā€™s Canadian Division was announced at an event in Montreal by Manulife Financial President and Chief Executive Officer Dominic Dā€™Alessandro, who also personally donated $500,000 to the campaign. Mr. Dā€™Alessandro is co-chair of the MNIā€™s fundraising campaign, which is a five-year $40-million initiative to invest in people and expand facilities and services.

ā€œManulife is a global company and it is important for us to support organizations like the Montreal Neurological Institute, whose influence extends far beyond Canadaā€™s borders as a leading research facility,ā€ Mr. Dā€™Alessandro said. ā€œThe MNI is embarking on brilliant and innovative research programs to improve the quality of life of their patients and others around the world.ā€

David R. Colman, Director, MNI, added: ā€œWe are delighted that Manulife and Dominic Dā€™Alessandro have chosen to play such lead roles in our campaign. Their support of the MNI will allow us to start up new research directions that ultimately we hope will markedly improve the quality of life for those of us who are debilitated by neurological disease.ā€

Lead gifts from Brenda Milner, the Dorothy J. Killam Professor of Neuropsychology at the MNI and the Cyril & Dorothy and Joel & Jill Reitman Family Foundation were also announced today.

ā€œCorporations and individuals have to step up to allow the kind of ground breaking research that is necessary to lead the world,ā€ added Paul Rooney, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife Canada. ā€œI am pleased that Manulife is in a position to help and believe that it is our responsibility to do what we can to make a difference.ā€

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About the MNI
The Montreal Neurological Institute is a ±«ÓćÖ±²„ research and teaching institute, dedicated to the study of the nervous system and neurological diseases. Founded in 1934 by the renowned Dr. Wilder Penfield, the MNI is one of the worldā€™s largest institutes of its kind. MNI researchers are world leaders in cellular and molecular neuroscience, brain imaging, cognitive neuroscience and the study and treatment of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disorders. The MNI, with its clinical partner, the Montreal Neurological Hospital (MNH), part of the ±«ÓćÖ±²„ Health Centre, continues to integrate research, patient care and training, and is recognized as one of the premier neuroscience centres in the world. At the MNI, we believe in investing in the faculty, staff and students who conduct outstanding research, provide advanced, compassionate care of patients and who pave the way for the next generation of medical advances. Highly talented, motivated people are the engine that drives research ā€“ the key to progress in medical care.

About Manulife Financial
Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$410 billion (US$386 billion) as at June 30, 2007.

Manulife Financial is one of only two publicly traded life insurance companies with 'AAA'-rated insurance subsidiaries, the highest rating for financial strength at Standard & Poor's Rating Services. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as 'MFC' on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under '0945' on the SEHK. Manulife Financial can be found on the Internet at .

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