Sun Life and Right To Play have been partnered since 2015 to support the health and well-being of Indigenous youth in Canada through the Promoting Life-skills in Aboriginal Youth (PLAY) program. Sun Life has committed $2.3 million to the PLAY program, which builds awareness and supports prevention of diabetes among indigenous youth. As a result of participation in the 2019/20 PLAY program, 89% of youth were motivated to try to be physically active every day.

At the 2019 Right To Play Heroes Gala, Sun Life President and CEO, Dean Connor, who received the Corporate Hero Award on behalf of the company, made an exciting announcement.

“Giving back and helping build strong, sustainable communities is part of our DNA at Sun Life,” Connor said. “We’re proud to renew our commitment with Right To Play, to continue to make a difference in preventing Type 2 diabetes among Indigenous youth.

“Seeing the meaningful impact that the PLAY program has on kids reaffirms that we are making the right investments. Teaching skills to younger generations helps build a foundation for healthier living.”

Sun Life is one of Canada’s leading and most respected financial services organizations, providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions. They are deeply committed to building healthy, sustainable communities in Canada and around the world. Especially those who are at greater risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Since 2012, the company has committed more than $37 million globally towards diabetes awareness, prevention and care.

In Canada, Indigenous people are 3-5 times more likely than non-Indigenous people to have Type 2 diabetes. The age of onset has been happening at an earlier age among this group. There are many genetic, historical and social factors that contribute to making diabetes such a significant health risk for Indigenous people. There are also key prevention measures that the Right To Play-Sun Life partnership is empowering Indigenous communities to take.