Ottawa’s community spirit shines despite challenging times

More than 110 Ottawa charities to receive $350,000 from TELUS and its team members

Ottawa, ON – Ottawa charities were honoured this morning at the first annual TELUS Celebration of Giving. The event celebrated the amazing organizations and people who work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of those in our community who need help the most.

TELUS and its team members donated $350,000 to more than 110 Ottawa area charities this year through the TELUS Employee Charitable Giving program. The TELUS Employee Charitable Giving program matches team member contributions to eligible charities dollar for dollar.

“The culture of giving is alive and well in Ottawa despite these challenging economic times,” said Shannon Gorman, senior manager TELUS Community Investment. “I’m proud to walk shoulder to shoulder with fellow TELUS team members who opened their hearts to donate $350,000 for our community. Through all this uncertainty, they continue to give where they live and pledged to donate even more this year because they recognize the need is greater now than ever before.”

Charities are feeling the crunch of the economic downturn and donations to these organizations, regardless of the amount, can mean the difference between the continuation of their successful programs or shutting their doors forever.

The Union Mission for Men is but one organization benefiting from support of the TELUS Employee Charitable Giving program. With 103 years of inner-city experience, the Union Mission is uniquely positioned to address the concerns of those who are homeless and on their own. The Mission provides hope and shelter to those who need it most.

At the Celebration of Giving, 27 local charities in attendance were recognized for the vital work they do in Ottawa. These charities were also presented with cheques from the TELUS family of team members, Community Ambassadors and TELUS Ottawa Community Board symbolizing their commitment to the community. The Union Mission, the Canadian Red Cross, United Way/Centraide Ottawa, CHEO, Boy Scouts of Canada, the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, and Children at Risk, just to name a few, all received donations from the TELUS Employee Charitable Giving program.

Since 2000, TELUS, its team members and retirees have donated nearly $3.7 million to Ottawa area charities.