John Hancock hosting a shoe drive to benefit homeless men and women in Boston

As the City of Boston celebrates the second annual One Boston Day, St. Francis House (SFH) is partnering with John Hancock, hosting a sneaker donation drive to benefit homeless men and women in need. Citizens of Boston are asked to honor One Boston Day with a donation of new or gently worn sneakers. Each pair of sneakers donated will directly benefit guests of SFH.

Donations from the sneaker drive will augment the Fresh Threads Department at SFH that currently distributes 3,000 pairs of shoes each year to men and women who visit SFH.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with John Hancock, a longstanding institution of Boston, in honor of One Boston Day,” said Karen LaFrazia, Executive Director of St. Francis House. “The sneaker drive will have a direct impact on the men and women who come to St. Francis House for support every day. St. Francis House has long relied on the kindness and generosity of Boston residents, we are excited to see that support continue on Friday, as we all come together to honor our great city.”

One Boston Day: April 15, 2016, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Donation Boxes will be posted at two locations in Boston: 

• The intersection of Exeter Street and Boylston Street in Boston, near the Jumbotron.
• Boston City Hall, Third Floor

“We are proud to partner with the City on One Boston Day to support St Francis House, and all the men and women they serve.” said Tom Crohan, AVP & Counsel, John Hancock Financial. “We encourage everyone who lives or works in Boston to join us in donating sneakers to this incredibly worthy cause.”

One Boston Day serves as an opportunity for the city – and its citizens – to celebrate the resiliency, generosity, and strength demonstrated by the city of Boston and those around the world in response to the tragic events on April 15, 2013.

About St. Francis House

Located in the heart of downtown Boston, St. Francis House is the largest day shelter in the Commonwealth, serving more than 600 poor and homeless men and women a day, 365 days a year. St Francis House provides basic, rehabilitative and housing services that overlap and build on one another to provide guests with continuous and comprehensive care.

About John Hancock Financial and Manulife

John Hancock Financial is a division of Manulife, a leading Canada-based financial services group with principal operations in Asia, Canada and the United States. Operating as Manulife in Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, our group of companies offers clients a diverse range of financial protection products and wealth management services through its extensive network of employees, agents and distribution partners. Assets under management and administration by Manulife and its subsidiaries were C$935 billion (US$676 billion) as at December 31, 2015. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as ‘MFC’ on the TSX, NYSE and PSE, and under ‘945’ on the SEHK. Manulife can be found on the Internet at manulife.com.

The John Hancock unit, through its insurance companies, comprises one of the largest life insurers in the United States. John Hancock offers and administers a broad range of financial products, including life insurance, annuities, investments, 401(k) plans, long-term care insurance, college savings, and other forms of business insurance. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

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