JDRF and Sun Life Financial Team Up in the Revolution to Defeat Diabetes

TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - May 04, 2016) - From coast-to-coast, JDRF is challenging Canadians to start a Revolution to Defeat Diabetes. The JDRF Revolution Ride to Defeat Diabetes, presented by Sun Life Financial, is taking place in 19 cities across Canada and will engage over 15,000 people who are ready to make a difference for those living with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The JDRF Revolution Ride to Defeat Diabetes has been refreshed, rebranded and reinvigorated to offer elements for every rider. Whether you're looking for a fun, team-oriented stationary ride, an individual challenge, or a virtual physical ride across amazing landscapes, there is something for everyone.

"We're calling on all Canadians who are ready to join us to accelerate the next revolution in diabetes research," said Dave Prowten, President and CEO, JDRF Canada. "This year, we are proud to be joined by Sun Life Financial as the presenting sponsor. Also sponsored by Abbott Canada, we are excited to have these amazing partners onboard to make an impact on the future of T1D research."

"We are thrilled to team up with the JDRF to launch the Revolution Ride and to defeat diabetes together," said Paul Joliat, Assistant Vice-President, Philanthropy & Sponsorships, Sun Life Financial. "At Sun Life, we know that the prevalence of diabetes is rapidly rising, which is why we're committed to supporting initiatives that are focused on diabetes awareness, prevention, care and research. As the numbers continue to grow, it is tremendously important to invest in research and it's through relationships like this that we can TEAM UP AGAINST DIABETES and collectively beat the disease." The JDRF Revolution Ride to Defeat Diabetes consists of five ride elements:

• Ride10 -- a five participant ride of seven minutes each on a stationary bike;
• Ride60 -- a 60 minute individual endurance challenge where distance is measured;
• Ride100 -- an individual 100 km challenge where time is measured;
• vRide -- a virtual ride that will allow participants to ride where they want, when they want;
• iRide -- a choice of a 25, 60 or 100 mile outdoor challenge among seven destinations in the United States.

Be brave, be a leader and join the Revolution Ride to Defeat Diabetes. Visit jdrf.ca/revolution to learn more.

About JDRF Canada

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. JDRF's goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people's lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, regulatory influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure T1D. As the largest charitable supporter of T1D research, JDRF is currently sponsoring $530 million in scientific research in 18 countries. For more information, please visit jdrf.ca

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 December 31, 2015, the Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of $891 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.