Sun Life Financial continues to give the gift of music, with the expansion of its musical instrument lending program to public libraries in Prince Edward Island

The Sun Life Musical Instrument Lending Library program allows anyone with a valid library card to borrow musical instruments free of charge. Instruments available under the program include guitars, banjos, drums, and more.

A release said that four PEI libraries in Summerside, Charlottetown and Montague will now benefit from the program, with Sun Life donating 150 musical instruments. With the program’s expansion in PEI, more than three million library cardholders across Canada now have access to musical instruments since the insurer started the Lending Library in 2016.

On top of expanding the musical instrument lending initiative, Sun Life is also making a philanthropic donation of $140,000 to the Government of Prince Edward Island to fund the program’s operating costs. The company has also produced a series of videos to help people learn how to use, care for, and enjoy the instruments.

Coinciding with the program’s launch in the province, Prince Edward Island Public Libraries will also be holding a musical instrument donation drive. The drive runs from June 06 to July 06, welcoming the public to donate instruments to add to the collection.

“The East Coast has such a vibrant and lively music scene; We’re excited to be a part of this artistic culture with the expansion of our program to the Prince Edward Island libraries,” said Sun Life assistant vice-president of philanthropy and sponsorships Paul Joliat.

“Part of Sun Life’s purpose is to help our clients live healthier lives. We know music has the ability to connect us and allows us to express ourselves on a deeper level. That’s why we’re honoured to allow more Canadians the opportunity to experience the joy of making music,” added Joliat.