TELUS Communications in Canada has announced a C$5 million ($3.7 million) gift in support of wildfire relief efforts in Alberta. 

The province of Alberta declared a state of emergency after 88 active wildfires burning across nearly one million acres resulted in the evacuations of approximately 24,000 people. TELUS, in partnership with the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, TELUS Indigenous Communities Fund, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods, and TELUS Health are making an initial commitment of cash donations and in-kind contributions to local charities and organizations supporting relief efforts and first responders, including the Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army.

The commitments include C$500,000 ($372,876) to help evacuees and Albertans in need by providing local relief efforts, mental health support, emergency care, and food and supplies to affected areas. The companies are also supporting a free community crisis hotline available 24/7 to all Canadians; waiving domestic voice, text, and data overage fees for TELUS customers; offering complimentary mental health support for farmers and in-kind emergency veterinary care for cattle; and delivering disaster kits for evacuees from Brazeau County and Drayton Valley. TELUS Friendly Future Foundation also activated a text-to-donate fundraising campaign where TELUS customers can text DONATE to 41010 to give $20 to the foundation in support of registered charities providing wildfire relief. 

“Our team is deeply saddened by the widespread wildfires across Alberta, and our thoughts are with those impacted by this disaster,” said TELUS president and CEO Darren Entwistle. “We have a longstanding history of being there for Albertans, particularly in their time of need, and it is an honor to lend our support through an initial investment of $5 million, as wildfires continue to ravage many parts of our province. I am grateful to our team for continuing to demonstrate that when things are at their worst, Canadians can count on TELUS to be at its very best, offering our resources and human compassion to help our fellow citizens in need.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Adrii Chagovets)