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Manulife shares in the community’s fight against SARS Centre offers phone counseling for children and Company donates HK$300,000 Hong Kong – Manulife (International) Limited has stepped up its community giving and sharing program with SARS-related telephone counseling for children with specific learning disabilities, and a HK$300,000 donation to “The Community Chest of Hong Kong Operation UNITE Fund.” The Manulife Centre for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, supported by the Manulife Charitable Foundation, has been providing its member children and parents with telephone counseling since the SARS-related closure of schools was implemented. To date, the Manulife Centre has offered assistance to more than 130 member children and parents. Dr. Alice Cheng Lai, Person-in-charge of the Manulife Centre, said, “We are pleased that, so far, our member children are all in good health. During the period of class suspension, we need to handle their emotional state with exceptional care. Sharing feelings with children and their parents, and providing counsel to them is important as SARS is affecting our daily lives. We offer emotional reassurance, tips on personal hygiene, and information on useful educational Web sites, learning courses and programs to the parents and children over the phone.” In addition to the services rendered by the Manulife Centre for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities, the Manulife Charitable Foundation has also made a donation of HK$300,000 to “The Community Chest of Hong Kong Operation UNITE Fund” for supporting medical professionals and SARS-affected families and individuals; as well as for preventive and educational community activities. “As a responsible corporate citizen, we wish to share and also demonstrate our support for the community,” said Mr. Ed Lau, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Hong Kong, Manulife (International) Limited. “It’s important to us that we be part of the force fighting SARS in Hong Kong. Together, we can all manage through these troubled times.” About the Manulife Charitable Foundation The Manulife Charitable Foundation is a non-profit organization set up by Manulife (International) Limited in 1998 to support and promote educational, health and charitable activities for the betterment of public welfare in Hong Kong. It has sponsored the Manulife Centre for Children with Specific Learning Disabilities since 1999 with a mandate to assist children with specific learning difficulties, and their parents and teachers, by studying how to identify children in need of assistance and help them develop to their full potential. About Manulife (International) Limited Manulife (International) Limited is a member of the Manulife Financial group of companies. Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group operating in 15 countries and territories worldwide. Through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners, Manulife Financial offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services. Funds under management by Manulife Financial were Cdn$141.6 billion (approximately HK$751.5 billion) as at March 31, 2003. 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 www.manulife.com. - 30 - For more information, please contact:
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