In a time when staying connected is vital, TELUS is using technology to bring people closer — and keep them safe.
When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, TELUS quickly took action. To support healthcare workers on the front lines, the TELUS Future Friendly Foundation donated $10-million to purchase medical technology and equipment, with $500,000 going to life-saving antiviral research. Meanwhile, the company has waived roaming charges so travellers stranded abroad can contact their loved ones. It has also extended virtual healthcare options through TELUS Health, so Canadian families can easily speak to a doctor without leaving their homes.
And the telecommunications giant has played to its strengths, donating 10,000 mobile devices and wireless services to people without other means to communicate. The devices have helped them connect with healthcare practitioners, social workers and loved ones, while also enabling hospitalized COVID-19 patients to visit with family virtually. Through the company’s existing initiative Internet For Good — which provides low-cost, high-speed internet access to low-income families — TELUS is working with school boards to extend the opportunity to more households, breaking down the barriers that prevent many kids from continuing their learning at home.
“TELUS believes it has a responsibility to ensure that digital spaces are accessible and safe for everyone, improving lives through the power of technology, especially during times like these,” says Jill Schnarr, vice-president of corporate citizenship and communications at TELUS.
The company’s digital literacy education program, TELUS Wise, provides free online youth workshops and digital resources to help Canadians of all ages stay safe online. Additionally, through its long-time partnership with WE, TELUS is supporting parents and caregivers who are teaching their kids at home, providing additional online educational resources. On TELUS’s website, parents have access to WE Schools @home, a program that provides weekly lesson packages and interactive digital content to supplement online learning and encourage well-being while schools are closed. Recognizing the importance of mental health during this time, WE also offers curriculum resources to help adults talk to their kids about the impacts of COVID-19.
“At TELUS, leveraging our technology to help young people realize their full potential is fundamental to the passionate social purpose we all embrace,” says Ms. Schnarr. “As classrooms remain closed in order to support important physical distancing, our WE partnership and digital literacy resources, like TELUS Wise, ensure every student can stay connected to exciting learning opportunities from their homes.”
Advertising feature produced by WE. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.