Grant strengthens partnership between Manulife and Capacity Canada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Grant strengthens partnership between Manulife and Capacity Canada

WATERLOO REGION, January 7, 2015: A renewed and expanded partnership with Manulife means Capacity Canada can offer its expertise in governance to more non-profits in Waterloo Region and now also in Toronto.

“None of the work we do to help non-profit boards excel would be possible without the kind of support we have had over the years from Manulife,’’ said Cathy Brothers, Capacity’s CEO. “Manulife is an exemplary corporate partner in the effort to strengthen communities by ensuring that community groups are stable and well-run.’’

In 2014, Capacity’s governance training drew 285 participants across thirteen events. With renewed — and increased —support from Manulife, Capacity will add more opportunities to the list.

Two key programs link Capacity Canada and Manulife as partners in the promotion of good board governance among charitable non-profits.

  • Governance boot camps bring non-profit leaders — board chairs and CEO/Executive Directors — together in November for a weekend of intense training on the different but complementary roles boards and administrations play. Each governance class reconvenes for a day-long session in March.
  • MatchBoard connects Manulife employees to volunteer opportunities on the boards of local non-profits. In 2014, the program expanded from Waterloo Region to Manulife’s headquarters in Toronto and will continue to grow in 2015.

In addition, Capacity Canada provides in-house governance sessions and follow-ups with Manulife employees.

“Volunteerism contributes significantly to the development of resilient communities,’’ says Martha Hancock, Assistant Vice President Philanthropy and Sponsorship, Manulife. “ This grant enables Capacity Canada to continue to expand programs that improve the decision-making skills of volunteer boards and advance smart governance in the non-profit sector.”

Formerly Capacity Waterloo Region, Capacity Canada changed its name in 2014 to reflect the wider reach of its services. The organization was founded in 2009.

“Manulife employees add enormously to the boards they join as volunteers,” said Steve Farlow, chair of Capacity’s board of directors. “It’s not just the great business skills they bring, but the ideas they share from working for a corporation with a global scope.”

For more information, contact:

Cathy Brothers, CEO
Capacity Canada
Office: 519-513-2606 x1 Mobile: 226-808-7220 Toll Free: 866-317-1992 x1
[email protected]

Rebecca Freiburger, Director, Media Relations
Manulife
Mobile: 519-503-6604
[email protected]

Capacity Canada is a national registered charity that brings together the ideas, people and resources that fuel social innovation.  Our vision is to change lives through courageous community organizations that excel.  We are accomplishing this by providing non-profit leaders new resources and professional support that enhances leadership skills, stimulates cross-sector collaboration, promotes knowledge sharing, and encourages social innovation.

Manulife is a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. We operate as John Hancock in the U.S. and as Manulife in other parts of the world. We provide strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking solutions for our customers’ significant financial decisions. Our international network of employees, agents and distribution partners offers financial protection and wealth management products and services to millions of clients. We also provide asset management services to institutional customers. Funds under management by Manulife and its subsidiaries were approximately C$663 billion (US$591 billion) as at September 30, 2014.

Capacity Canada Media Release 01-07-2015