TELUS commits $5 million to support B.C. fire relief

TELUS technicians continue to work around the clock to maintain critical infrastructure and network connectivity under the most challenging of conditions

TELUS, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods and TELUS Health, together, are donating to local grassroots charities in British Columbia, supporting relief efforts on the ground

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In response to the devastating wildfires spreading throughout British Columbia and the significant impact this is having on children and families, TELUS, in partnership with TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods and TELUS Health are making an initial commitment of $5 million in cash donations and in-kind contributions to local charities and organizations supporting relief efforts and first responders, including the Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army British Columbia Division, BC SPCA, Mamas for Mamas, BC Cattlemen’s Association and local food banks.

“Our TELUS team is devastated by the widespread wildfires that continue to rage across British Columbia and our hearts are with all of those affected,” said Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS. “As always, we will continue to be there for British Columbians in their time of need and, in this regard, it is an honour to lend our support through an initial investment of $5 million to assist with wildfire relief efforts. I extend my sincere appreciation to our amazing team for once again demonstrating that when things are at their worst, Canadians can count on TELUS to be at its very best. We remain deeply committed to offering our resources and human compassion to help our fellow citizens in need.”

TELUS technicians continue to work around the clock to maintain critical infrastructure and network connectivity under the most challenging of conditions to ensure British Columbians and first responders stay connected. We are in direct contact with all levels of government and various support agencies to provide connectivity at critical locations, such as evacuation centres and emergency operations centre locations. We are also deploying mobile connectivity solutions where necessary to support response efforts.

Donations and in-kind support to assist with wildfire relief efforts in British Columbia include:

• TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, TELUS Interior and Northern BC Community Board, TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods, and TELUS Health are committing funds to help evacuees and British Columbians in need through local relief efforts, mental health support, emergency care and by providing food and supplies to affected areas.
• TELUS is providing a 50 GB data top up to evacuated TELUS and Koodo Mobile® post-paid customers so they can stay connected with their loved ones.
• TELUS Health has initiated a free community crisis hotline available 24/7 to all Canadians at 1-844-751-2133.
• To support British Columbians who may not be able to travel to see their doctor, offers a robust suite of services, including those covered by provincial health insurance, such as access to licensed medical professionals in numerous languages, specialist referrals, mental health counsellors and registered dietitians.
• TELUS Health Virtual Pharmacy patients who were evacuated and usually receive their prescriptions by home delivery can contact 1-877-796-7979 to re-route their prescription, if needed immediately, to another location or accessible pharmacy.
• TELUS Health is matching all donations to the BC SPCA up to $10,000 to support their emergency response efforts. Evacuated pet owners can also access free virtual veterinarian and vet technician consults for their dogs or cats using TELUS Health MyPet and the code BCWILDFIRE.
• TELUS is supporting evacuees by offering disaster kits to evacuation centres with essential items like bandages, USB car chargers and flashlights.
• TELUS SmartHome Security is ensuring automation services remain active so customers with remote access through the SmartHome app can continue to monitor their homes and property where local power and communications infrastructure remains intact.
• TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has activated a text-to-donate fundraising campaign whereby TELUS customers can text the word DONATE to 41010 to give $20 to TELUS Friendly Future Foundation to support registered charities providing wildfire relief across the country.
  
  

In addition, TELUS is working closely with evacuated Indigenous communities to support their connectivity needs and supply disaster kits.

Customers in Alberta and B.C. can redeem their points for a $20 donation to TELUS Friendly Future Foundation in support of wildfire relief efforts. To learn more about TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, visit .

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $18 billion in annual revenue and over 18 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS’ global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

Operating in 32 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, health care, and others.

TELUS Health is a global health care leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive health care and wellness solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS’ strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering 67 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.6 billion, including 2.2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.

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Tricia Lo

TELUS Public Relations