Manulife Financial to donate $10,000 to Canadian Red Cross for Bridgewater-area Flood Relief

BRIDGEWATER, NS, May 27, 2005 - Manulife Financial will donate $10,000 to assist those affected by heavy rains and flooding in the Bridgewater, Nova Scotia area.

"Hundreds of people in Lunenburg County have seen their homes devastated by heavy rains and flooding, and they need our whole-hearted support," said Bruce Gordon, Senior Executive Vice President and General Manager of Manulife Financial, Canada.

"All of our employees across Canada hope this donation will play a small part in helping the people in and around the Bridgewater area rebuild their homes and lives," Mr. Gordon added. "We would also like to add our thanks to all volunteers, relief workers and emergency personnel working to help their community recover from such a disaster."

"The Red Cross has been responding to the flash flooding in the Bridgewater area," said Joanne Lawlor, Disaster Services Manager, Canadian Red Cross, Nova Scotia Region. "Many people have experienced damage to their personal property, and will be in need of assistance when they begin the cleaning up process in the coming days."

The donation will help The Canadian Red Cross to assist flood victims with housing, food, clean up, clothing and home repairs. Donations can be made online, or by calling 1-800-418-1111, or by mailing a cheque to Canadian Red Cross, Nova Scotia Office, P.O. Box 31068 RPO, Gladstone Halifax, NS, B3K 9Z9

About Manulife Financial

Manulife Financial is a leading Canadian-based financial services group serving millions of customers in 19 countries and territories worldwide. Operating as Manulife Financial in Canada and Asia, and primarily through John Hancock in the United States, the Company offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Funds under management by Manulife Financial and its subsidiaries were Cdn$350.3 billion as at March 31, 2005.

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.