Telus announced Wednesday it is mobilizing $2 million in connectivity and humanitarian support for British Columbians affected by the wildfires currently raging across their province.
Telus’s emergency response includes network connectivity, data top-ups and bill credits for affected customers, as well as donations and support to local charities.
“TELUS is directing resources toward affected First Nations and non profit organizations on the ground — including the Salvation Army BC and community food banks — while ensuring residents and first responders have access to the critical communications services they need to stay connected,” reads a Wednesday press release from the Vancouver-based telecom.
Technicians are working to keep Telus network infrastructure operational under extreme conditions, including bringing in additional equipment such as generators to keep cell sites running, and restoring damaged infrastructure as soon as it is safe to do so, Telus said. In addition, the company’s teams are coordinating with government agencies and relief organizations to provide connectivity at evacuation centres, command centres and other critical locations, while deploying mobile connectivity solutions to fill gaps where fixed infrastructure has been damaged, Telus added.
Telus’s support for its customers includes an automatic 50 GB data top-up for evacuated Telus and Koodo postpaid mobility customers, and automatic bill credits for Telus internet, TV, home phone and SmartHome Security services for all evacuated households. Telus said it will continue to pause all home services billing for any customers who face an extended evacuation or displacement.
Telus team members and volunteers are delivering emergency kits with essential supplies, extra cell phones, and power bricks and charging cables to evacuation centres. They are also working closely with evacuated First Nations communities to address their specific connectivity needs and offer support including emergency kits, Telus said.
In terms of direct funding, Telus and the Telus Friendly Future Foundation are committing $100,000 to support affected First Nations, including Okanagan Indian Band and Westbank First Nation, and local charities providing immediate aid on the ground, including Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team Society, Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team Southwest BC Society, Central Okanagan Food Bank, Clinton Food Bank Society, Mamas for Mamas, Nicola Valley and District Food Bank Society, North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society, and Salvation Army British Columbia Division.
Operating 24/7, the Telus Health Community Crisis Support line (1-844-751-2133) offers free, professional emotional support and resource referrals to anyone in Canada.
To support wildfire relief through the Telus Friendly Future Foundation, Telus customers can text DONATE to 41010 to donate $20, or redeem their Telus Rewards points.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by the devastating wildfires in British Columbia, and we want them to know that TELUS is here to help,” Victor Dodig, president and CEO of Telus, said in the telecom’s press release. “Our team has a long history of supporting communities in times of uncertainty and duress. As fire crews continue to battle the flames, TELUS is committed to doing what we can to help affected British Columbians through this challenging period — including supporting relief organizations, providing mental health and wellbeing services, delivering vital on-the-ground support and working around the clock to keep everyone connected.”
For more than 20 years, Telus said it has invested more than $300 million in emergency response and community recovery globally, including more than $125 million toward wildfire and flood relief across Canada in recent years.
Screenshot from Telus’s YouTube channel
