MONTREAL — Telus, Quebec-based energy company Énergir and mobile device recycling company Électrobac announced today they have committed to donating $218,000 in support to help 300 Ukrainian refugee families in Quebec.
“In collaboration with local organizations throughout Quebec, the three companies will provide free smartphones refurbished by Électrobac, TELUS SIM cards, and access to free consultations with a mental health professional through TELUS Health MyCare,” a press release says.
Through this collaborative effort, “Ukrainian refugees will have an essential link to emergency services, reliable access to virtual health and well-being resources, and a way to stay in contact with their loved ones and support networks,” the release adds.
“The people affected by the deplorable situation in Ukraine are going through an extremely difficult time,” Ali Barakat, Telus vice-president for sales and business solutions in Quebec and Atlantic Canada, said in the release. “The actions of the TELUS team have always been inspired by our social purpose to use our technology and compassion to help build a friendlier future. In that same spirit, TELUS has joined forces with Énergir and Électrobac to provide immediate help for Ukrainian refugees. By offering wireless services and access to mental health care, we’re committed to making daily life easier for those affected by global conflict who are living through challenging times.”
“We’re happy to have played a unifying role in rallying our partners behind this project,” said Martin Laberge, executive director for cybersecurity at Énergir. “We believe in finding innovative ways to get involved in communities, and we know that by partnering with the right people around the right projects, we can create new kinds of energy that will have a positive impact on society. This wonderful collaboration is certainly proof of that, and we hope that it will send a message of solidarity, support and hope to Ukrainian families who really need it.”
“We are happy and honored to humbly contribute, in collaboration with TELUS and Énergir to help Ukrainian refugees,’’ said Frédéric Brais, vice-president of sales and marketing at Électrobac. ‘‘We hope that this will ease their integration into their new host country.”
“Having a mobile device, a reliable network, and access to mental health support can make the difference in a period of life that is quite challenging for refugees,” said Claude Pinard, president and executive director of Centraide of Greater Montreal. “We’re grateful for TELUS, Énergir and Électrobac’s generous donation and support, which will allow families in precarious situations to gain access to essential resources and services for their health, safety and well-being.”
Earlier this year, Telus, its employees and the Telus Friendly Future Foundation donated $4 million to Canadian charities providing assistance to individuals and families displaced by the conflict in Ukraine, including the Canadian Red Cross, UNICEF Canada, and other national and local charitable organizations, according to the press release.
In addition, Énergir is donating $55,000 to the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation to provide assistance to people and families displaced by the conflict.
