December 29, 2020

Toronto – Manulife Investment Management’s Real Estate team donated $50,000 worth of food and prepared meals across North America this holiday season.

“We have seen first-hand the hardship local businesses are enduring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Bill McPadden, Manulife Investment Management’s Global Head of Real Estate. “We also know that this hardship is spreading throughout the community and is trickling down to those most vulnerable.”

Over the past few weeks, the Real Estate team has coordinated with small, local food retailers in Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary, Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago, Atlanta and Washington, D.C to purchase prepared meals or groceries. The meals and groceries are being delivered to local community organizations throughout December and January.

“Our objective was not only to support local charities but small businesses as well. They are struggling just like everyone else,” said McPadden.

In total, these ten regions came together to purchase hundreds of prepared meals, including freshly baked bread from Manulife Centre’s Scaccia restaurant, and feed hundreds of individuals and families in their local communities.

“Our success as a company depends on the success of the communities we serve,” said McPadden. “I am humbled by the efforts of our local teams, who have clearly demonstrated the importance of community.”