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Manulife Vietnam proudly sponsors Operation Smile’s mission in Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City – Manulife Vietnam has proudly donated US$17,750 to provide full financial support to Operation Smile’s Ho Chi Minh City Mission that started on December 16th and ends today at the Odonto-Stomatology Institute. Volunteer medical staff will have carried out re-constructive surgery on more than 200 impoverished children with medical needs from Dong Thap, Tay Ninh, Daklak and Lam Dong provinces during the five–day charitable mission. For two years in a row, Manulife Vietnam has made a significant contribution to the funding of these important missions – last year’s donation of US$10,000 supported the Operation Smile mission in Can Tho province in April 2001. In addition to the financial support offered, a number of dedicated Manulife Vietnam staff and agents have joined these missions as volunteers to assist the teams with logistics work. “We are very proud of the contribution made by our employees on this extraordinary project,” said David Matthews, General Manager, Manulife Vietnam. “This year, there are 34 staff and agents who have given up their spare time to make a life-altering difference to a child’s life. As evidenced by a number of charitable activities our company is involved in, Manulife has made a long-term commitment to improving the quality of life for the local community, especially children.” Proceeds from Manulife Vietnam funded surgery for young patients with cleft lips and palates, burn scars and a myriad of other deformities that Operation Smile treats that are not only cosmetic. Quite often serious medical problems accompany these deformities. Many children cannot speak or eat normally, and as a result suffer psychological damage in the form of low self-esteem caused by stares and cruel remarks from others. This mission is the first-ever that has been completely carried by local Vietnamese surgeons. “Manulife Vietnam is proud to sponsor and support this noble mission, which performs miracles for children by way of a 45-minute surgery that restores smiles, hope and dignity,” added Mr. Matthews. “Wherever we conduct business throughout the world, Manulife concentrates on important emerging community issues where it can make a positive difference for the future. Our contribution today helps Operation Smile change young lives, one smile at a time.” About Operation Smile Operation Smile is a leading humanitarian and medical relief organization dedicated to helping improve the health and lives of children and young adults worldwide. Operation Smile has 20 years of experience in providing high-quality, safe surgical care to those in need. An idea that started out as one mission site in the Philippines in 1982 has grown to 45 medical/educational sites in 19 mission countries. To date, Operation Smile medical volunteers have improved the lives of more than 70,000 children in the United States, Europe, Asia, Central and South America and the Middle East. In Vietnam, Operation Smile has operated on 7,000 children. About Manulife (Vietnam) Limited Manulife Vietnam – the first 100 per cent foreign-owned life insurance company in Vietnam – provides financial services to more than 150,000 customers through a network of more than 6,000 professionally qualified agents. Manulife has been operating in Vietnam since June 1999. About Manulife Financial 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$ 139.2 billion as at September 30, 2002. 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 further information, please call: Hang Luu Marketing Manager Manulife (Vietnam) Limited Tel: (84-8) 825 7722 Ext. 2502 Fax: (84-8) 825 7718 E-mail: Hang_Luu@manulife.com |
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