OTTAWA – Telus team members and Atlantic Canada community leaders will collaborate to donate $250,000 to local charities each year on Telus’ behalf through the Telus Atlantic Canada Community Board. General Rick Hillier will be the chairman of the board, working with Telus and the board members to develop a charitable giving and community program in Atlantic Canada. His external strategic advisory position is effective September 1.
"We are looking to the Telus Atlantic Canada community board for local insight, knowledge and inspiration," said Darren Entwistle, Telus president and CEO. "It is an honour to welcome General Hillier to chair the community board. His distinguished contributions to Canada are recognized here and around the world. His insight into and passion for Atlantic Canada communities will help us determine how our community investment initiatives can have the most meaningful impact in the region."
General Hillier said, "Telus is a company that gets stuff done both in business and in the community – I like that. They are entrusting their philanthropic efforts in Atlantic Canada to people who live and work here. I’m excited about the opportunity to help Telus engage with the Atlantic Canada communities that are so very important to me."
Local charitable organizations will be invited to apply for up to $20,000 in one-time funding for projects in the areas of health and well-being in our environment, education and sport, and arts and culture, with a focus on young Canadians and the innovative use of technology.
The Telus Atlantic Canada Community Board is part of a national philanthropic program that includes eight other Telus community boards across Canada. Since their inception in 2005, the Telus community boards have allocated $11.55 million to local charities, supporting 839 community projects.
General Rick Hillier was Canada’s chief of defence staff – the highest ranking position in the Canadian Forces – from February 4, 2005 to July 1, 2008. On July 3, 2008, General Hillier began a term as chancellor of the Memorial University of Newfoundland, his alma mater.
General Hillier has served throughout Canada, twice in both Europe and the United States, and with the United Nations and NATO forces in the former Yugoslavia and in Afghanistan.
For more information about Telus in the community or to apply for funding, visit www.telus.com/community.
