Toronto – At the April Global Marketing Insights Exchange, Helena Shimeles, Manulife's Global Head of Community Investment, detailed Manulife's longstanding commitment to community investment. This commitment to community, a legacy of compassion and support, is deeply woven into our company's fabric. Reflecting on Manulife’s journey, Helena expressed, "Our record shows that we were taking action long before ESG, ERGs, and CSR became trendy."With invaluable historical insights provided by corporate archivist Emily Herron, Helena highlighted key moments that exemplify Manulife's enduring spirit of giving and its commitment to positively impacting communities. Here are a few of our impactful inflection points over the years, dating all the way back to the 1800s!
A Heartfelt Beginning: The 1888 Ambulance Gift In 1888, Manulife made its first significant community impact by gifting an ambulance to the City of Toronto. This act of kindness included funding a driver and horse for a year and equipping the municipal office and stable with telephones. This early gesture of goodwill marked the beginning of Manulife’s journey of empathy and commitment to making a difference.
Supporting the War Effort: The 1939 War Service Group During the turbulent times of 1939, Manulife employees banded together to form the War Service Group, supporting the Red Cross in its vital work. One notable initiative was the "War Knitters" group, where employees gathered during lunch breaks and after work to knit items for troops overseas. This expression of solidarity and care was a testament to Manulife's community-focused culture long before employee resource groups became common.
The Gift of Generosity: The 1973 Matching Gift Program In 1973, Manulife introduced its Matching Gift Program, a shining example of the company’s generous spirit that continues to thrive today. By matching employee donations , this initiative reflects Manulife’s dedication to nurturing a culture of giving, empowering employees to amplify their positive impact on communities.
Reaching Out: The 1990 HERO Program In 1990, Manulife launched the Hancock Employees and Retirees Reaching Out (HERO) program in the U.S., creating a vital link between employees and non-profit organizations. The HERO Award, introduced a few years later, celebrated outstanding employee volunteers, further embedding community service into Manulife’s corporate DNA. This program exemplifies Manulife’s commitment to fostering volunteerism and making meaningful contributions to society.
Global Compassion: The 2010 Cataract Surgery Campaign In 2010, Manulife-Sinochem initiated a heartwarming charity campaign to support elderly cataract patients. With over 10,000 employees and agents participating, the effort raised funds to provide 450 life-changing cataract surgeries across five cities. This initiative underscores Manulife's global heart and its unwavering commitment to bringing light and hope to those in need.
Manulife’s story of community investment is a warm and enduring tale of care, love, and purpose. It is not just a series of initiatives, but an intrinsic part of the company’s DNA, a reflection of values that continue to inspire and guide its mission of making the world a better place for generations to come.
