VANCOUVER – Beginning May 1, Telus is inviting all Canadians to participate in its Days of Giving, with the goal to mobilize almost 50,000 volunteers around the world to do good in their local communities, says the company.
“As part of the $85 million it will once again give charities this year, Telus is donating more than $100,000 to various charities during #FriendlyFuture Days and helping inspire Canadians to give back safely and virtually,” reads today’s press release. That $85 million is 5% of its pre-tax profits.
“Whether it’s cleaning up a neighbourhood park, providing career advice to youth, dropping off groceries to a neighbour in need, or supporting local charities, Telus wants to make it easy for Canadians to give back through safe and virtual giving activities.” As well, Canadians who share their stories of giving back on social media while using the hashtag #FriendlyFuture between May 1st and 31st, have a chance to win one of 10 $10,000 donations to a charity of their choice.
“Our passionate Telus team across the globe is guided by our longstanding belief that doing well in business and doing good in our communities are mutually inclusive,” said Darren Entwistle, president and CEO, in the release.
As the world navigates a global pandemic, Telus also noted a recent Angus Reid survey it commissioned found almost all charitable activities in Canada have significantly declined this past year, because Canadians found it more difficult to volunteer and give back. “Nevertheless, 60% of Canadians feel more compelled than ever to give back,” says the release.
Key survey findings
- 77% of Canadians who give back through volunteering have found it more challenging to do so during the pandemic, citing safety as a key barrier.
- Due to barriers including safety and financial strain, there has been a 25% drop in Canadians’ giving efforts compared to before the pandemic began.
- 60% of Canadians are more interested than ever in giving back to their communities as a way to demonstrate empathy towards those in need.
- Almost all Canadians – 94% – believe that giving back is important.
- 83% of Canadians feel that giving back helps them feel connected to their local community.
- Prior to the pandemic, 60% of Canadians gave back through financial donations versus 39% who have donated in 2021 so far.
- 46% of Canadians volunteered their time in some capacity prior to the pandemic, versus 30% in 2020, and 25% in 2021 so far.
“We know Canadians have a huge desire to support their communities. Our survey told us that despite declining rates of giving, Canadians have felt more compelled to give back and support their communities during the pandemic than ever before,” added Entwistle.
Since 2000, the Telus team has contributed $1.4 billion in value, time, and financial support to charities and grassroots community organizations in Canada and in global communities where it operates, including 1.6 million days of volunteerism, says the company. Each year, Telus supports more than 4,000 charities and community organizations worldwide. It also contributed more than $150 million in support of Covid-19 related initiatives over the past 12 months.
