Issue twenty-five — Spring 2014
community ambassadors
community corner
The newsletter for TELUS retirees and team members
Central Island TELUS Community Ambassadors assembling Kits for Kids — backpacks filled with school supplies for less fortunate children in the Nanaimo area.
Celebrating our 2013 accomplishments
TELUS Community Ambassadors are a dedicated group of
active team members and retirees, and, one of the largest
Did you know?
corporate-based volunteer organizations in Canada. Passionate
Our TELUS Community
about giving back and providing a vital connection to our local
Ambassadors have been
communities, our TELUS Community Ambassadors give where
making a huge difference in
they live 365 days a year in 23 clubs across Canada.
In 2013, we expanded our national footprint with the launch of
three new clubs in Atlantic Canada, Medicine Hat and Quebec
City. There are currently 11 clubs in B.C., four in Alberta, four
each in Ontario and Quebec and one in Atlantic Canada.
Adding more than 400 new members last year, we now have
3,300 Ambassadors representing us from coast-coast.
In 2013, our Ambassadors contributed 70,886 care items
valued at more than $1.42 million, including Kits for Kids and
baby bags filled with essential infant care items. Since 2007,
our Ambassadors have donated nearly 414,000 care items
across Canada.
Top 10 care items donated in 2013
Total
Comfort Kits����������������������������������������������12,589
Kits for Kids��������������������������������������������� 10,500
Computers for Schools������������������������������� 4,276
Heart Pillows ���������������������������������������������� 4,201
Toques and hats������������������������������������������ 3,091
Cancer turbans�������������������������������������������2,743
Finger puppets������������������������������������������� 2,580
Premature baby items ��������������������������������2,388
Comfort bears ��������������������������������������������2,172
Christmas stockings������������������������������������2,074
Always busy, our Ambassadors undertake a variety of
fundraising initiatives throughout the year, including baking and
flower and book sales in support of local charitable programs.
In 2013, more than $426,000 was contributed to various
organizations across Canada as a result of our Ambassadors’
successful fundraising efforts.
What’s new?
This year’s spring issue of Community Corner is available in
our communities for more than
an online version only. As in years past, our fall Community
100 years. It’s true. Today’s
Corner will be mailed out, as well as be available online.
Community Ambassadors
stand on the shoulders of
Don’t want to miss a newsletter?
thousands of committed
Send an email to [email protected]
volunteers who came before,
to have the online version of Community Corner sent
building upon a remarkable
directly to your inbox.
legacy of volunteerism and
giving at TELUS.
TELUS in our communities
WWF and TELUS team up to protect Canadian wildlife
Caring for our critters from coast to coast
The TELUS team is wild about animals. From
our passionate support of animal causes to our
During the campaign, we encouraged Canadians
collective enthusiasm each time we welcome a
to buy a TELUS plush panda with proceeds
new critter into the fold, animals are undoubtedly
going to WWF. We made $1 donations to
close to our hearts and brand.
WWF for social media posts using the hashtag
#hometweethome. And, for everyone who sent a
In 2013, we embarked on a partnership with
holiday e-card featuring a critter at-risk or visited
World Wildlife Fund - Canada (WWF) to help keep
Canadian critters and the places they call home
safe for years to come. Across Canada, habitat
loss, pollution, invasive species, climate change
and unsustainable harvesting have put 676
Launched in November, our critter campaign
celebrated TELUS’ four-year, $1 million
commitment to WWF by inviting team members
and customers to join us in protecting Canadian
wildlife and habitat.
TELUS plush pandas, encouraged users to send
a tweet using the hashtag #HomeTweetHome to
receive a free panda.
Take a look at the video of the delighted
shoppers.
givewherewelive.ca and liked or shared what they
We also promoted our external campaign
saw, we donated an additional $1. The 2014
internally to team members, encouraging them to
TELUS calendar also featured images from our
join us in support of Canadian wildlife by clicking
Critter campaign, featuring captivating imagery of
on intranet banners.
the at-risk species we are working to protect.
species at risk of extinction.
The Twitter-powered vending machine full of
Altogether, $250,000 was raised for WWF to
Before the holidays, we launched a unique
help with the organization’s work to conserve
experience for Canadian shoppers. From December
species’ habitats through programs, including
9 to 14, patrons of Vancouver’s busy Pacific
assessing the health of Canada’s freshwater,
Centre Mall were given an exciting opportunity to
smart ocean management and helping to create
engage with a state-of-the-art Twitter-powered
a sustainable Arctic.
vending machine in support of WWF.
Join us this spring to help
give where we live
TELUS Day of Giving: May 31, 2014
Our national volunteer event brings together team
members, retirees, family and friends nationwide
to lend a hand in our local communities.
Volunteers participate in a variety of activities;
including helping serve food at local shelters and
landscaping for seniors’ care homes. Last year,
more than 14,000 volunteers helped make a
Fraser Valley Community Ambassadors volunteering at the 2013 TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes. Back row: Jessie
Wong, Vernice Drewery, Geoff Drewery, Pat Pasmore, Larry Pasmore. Front row: Noreen Gunn, Regina Hentze,
Irene Durupt and Lori Humphrey.
Volunteer of the Year award winners:
shining the spotlight on our community heroes
difference in our communities.
TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes: June 8, 2014*
Every step counts in our efforts to improve the
health of thousands of Canadians and find a cure for
type 1 diabetes. That’s why TELUS is proud to be
Our TELUS Community Ambassadors make a tremendous difference in our
the title sponsor of the Juvenlie Diabetes Research
communities and we are proud to salute those who set an inspiring example for
Foundation’s (JDRF) flagship fundraising event.
others by always going the extra mile to give back.
This year, team members, retirees and friends
At this year’s gala in honour of our Ambassadors we celebrated the incredible
and family will come together in more than 70
accomplishments of our Volunteer of the Year award winners.
communities across Canada at the TELUS
On April 3, we proudly recognized 24 extraordinary individuals for their spirited
volunteerism and positive impact within their communities in 2013.
Walk to Cure Diabetes. Last year, over 4,000
participants helped raise more than $500,000 to
support those living with the disease.
How to register
Congratulations to this year’s winners:
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Jacqui Dupont, Atlantic Canada
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Jeannot Martel, Montreal
Please visit the Team TELUS Cares registration
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Tammy Deschambault and
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Margaret Cox, Okanagan
website at telus.com/community/register on
Ryan Patterson, Barrie
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Tom Donohue, Ottawa
May 1 to learn more about volunteer opportunities
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Mary Pickering, Calgary
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Gail Compton, Prince George
in your community, event locations and dates and
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John Conway, Central Island
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Serge Gingras, Quebec City
to register for both TELUS Day of Giving and the
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Barb Gilchrist and
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Wes Reed, Red Deer
TELUS Walk to Cure Diabetes.
Malven Aird, Edmonton
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Nicole Roussel, Rimouski
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Peggy Campbell, Fraser Valley
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Marty Schubert, South Island
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Jennifer Ebenstiner, Kamloops
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Gary Weber, Sunshine Coast
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Cris Wieczorek, Kootenay East
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Melissa Kawkabani, Toronto Central
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Roberta Scott, Kootenay West
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Roxanne Reid, Toronto East
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Kathy Kopperud, Medicine Hat
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Bobby Farr, Vancouver
If you have any questions, please email us at
[email protected].
If you do not have access to a computer, please
call 1-855-697-8183 to register.
* Walk dates vary across the country. Please visit the TELUS Walk to
Cure Diabetes website to find the date and location in your region.
We embrace change and initiate opportunity
Page 2
Community Corner – TELUS Community Ambassadors
TELUS talk
TELUS WISE®:
keeping Canadian families
safe online
Launched at the end of 2012, TELUS WISE®
(Wise Internet and Smartphone Education)
is an innovative program that addresses
Internet and smartphone safety and
security. The program was initially offered
to our business customers and community
investment partners and as of November
is now available free of charge to families
across Canada.
“The online safety and security of Canadian
families is vitally important to the TELUS
team, and we are thrilled to be able to
provide peace of mind to parents and their
children through TELUS WISE,” said Darren
Entwistle, TELUS president and CEO.
Ruth Gautschi proudly accepts her TELUS Legend Award.
“This innovative educational program will
arm Canadians with the tools necessary
to help keep their families safe from online
criminal activity such as financial fraud and
child predators. TELUS WISE advances our
unparalleled commitment to give where we
live and put our customers first by helping
to protect what is most valuable to them
their loved ones.”
Celebrating excellence:
three more Ambassadors become TELUS Legends
TELUS wasn’t built in a day, so as we continue
and shaping our growth strategy and brand
our journey to become the most recommended
promise – the future is friendly – for the benefit of
company in the markets we serve globally, let’s
our customers, communities, team members and
pause and recognize those who have contributed
shareholders,” says TELUS CEO Darren Entwistle.
to paving the way.
Engaging families in a conversation
about online safety
The TELUS Legend Award recognizes inspiring
For adults and parents, TELUS WISE offers:
integral role in building our TELUS legacy. The
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Seminars: TELUS WISE ambassadors
host one-hour public seminars about
Internet and smartphone safety and
security. Seminars are available upon
request for TELUS business customers,
community investment partners, school
and community associations.
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A WISE virtual community: telus.com/
wise is a secure website that features
resources, articles and training.
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TELUS Learning Centres: Learning
specialists in more than 200 of our TELUS
or more years of service, who have played an
award is a celebration of a lifetime of contribution
do in our communities – their dedication to
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many TELUS Legends are also Community
Ambassadors.
For the second half of 2013, we had three
more Community Ambassadors added to the
prestigious list of TELUS Legends.
on-one guidance to customers on Internet
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Hilliary Simpson, Vancouver
and smartphone safety and security.
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Tom Wakelam, Central Island
“TELUS Legends are highly regarded for their
contributions to building our company’s legacy
citizenship program that features games and
comic books that teach kids what a digital
footprint is and how to effectively manage
it. Kids can also earn dollars for their school
to put toward cyberbullying and digital
citizenship programs.
Community Corner – TELUS Community Ambassadors
A framed certificate, a professional
photo memento and an exclusive
commemorative coin
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A $500 donation on their behalf to a
local charity
volunteering for so many meaningful events
and organizations, it isn’t a surprise that so
A congratulatory letter and gift for themselves
and their family
Considering what our Community Ambassadors
Ruth Gautschi, Vancouver
Page 3
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and the highest recognition possible at TELUS.
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TELUS WISE footprint, an online digital
deserving Community Ambassadors will receive:
current and former team members, with 20
store locations provide personalized, one-
For kids aged eight through 18, we offer
In recognition of their contributions, each of these
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Entrance into a virtual and physical
TELUS Legends Gallery hall of fame
To view all of this year’s winners visit the legends
page on our website.
For more information on the Legends
Award or to nominate a retiree, please email
[email protected].
Congratulations to all our newest TELUS
Community Ambassador Legends award
recipients!
TELUS talk
Connecting Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast: TELUS expands north
On September 6, 2013, TELUS launched wireless
or Whitehorse phone number,” said Darren
service in northern Canada, proudly bringing
Entwistle, TELUS President and CEO.
our world-class technology to the Northwest
Territories and Yukon.
“At TELUS, we’re on a mission to lead the world
in customer service reflecting our passion for
Our neighbours up north can now sign up for
excellence in caring for our clients. We are
TELUS wireless products and services, including
committed to bringing all Canadians, whether
our SharePlus plans with unlimited nationwide
urban or rural, in the spectacular north and
talk and text, while enjoying our blazing fast
from coast to coast, our world-class network
wireless Internet speeds when surfing the web,
and broad range of the latest smartphones and
reading emails or accessing the latest music and
devices. We look forward to serving even more
social media through our technology.
communities across Yukon, Northwest Territories
“TELUS is tremendously proud to offer its full
suite of wireless products and services to
and Nunavut as TELUS’ 4G and 4G LTE
coverage expands.”
residents of the Northwest Territories and
In late 2013, Petron Communications, a long-
Yukon. For the very first time, you will be able
time TELUS authorized dealer serving rural
to purchase a smartphone or other device
communities in northern B.C., opened two stores
from TELUS and activate a local Yellowknife
in Yellowknife and Whitehorse.
Giving back in northern Canada
Since September 6 until May 2014, TELUS
is contributing $25 on behalf of every
new wireless customer who purchases a
smartphone in the Northwest Territories to the
Stanton Territorial Hospital Foundation – where
a maximum donation of $25,000 will be used
toward the purchase of new equipment for the
obstetrics unit.
Until May 6, 2014, TELUS will also contribute
$25 on behalf of every new wireless customer
who purchases a smartphone in Yukon to the
Yukon Child Development Centre, a not-forprofit organization that supports children with
developmental disabilities and their families.
There, a maximum donation of $25,000 will be
used toward new technology to aid in the early
detection of developmental disabilities.
Typhoon Haiyan: Coming to the aid of disaster victims in the Philippines
On November 7, Typhoon Haiyan struck the
in support of the Canadian Red Cross and its
Guiuan region of the Philippines. Millions
efforts on the ground in the Philippines;
struggled in the wake of the storm. Dedicated to
supporting those affected by the storm directly
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relief activities;
through the TELUS International Philippines
Community Board toward projects supporting
local disaster relief and an additional $50,000
giving program;
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Credited all home phone long distance calls
from B.C and Alberta to the Philippines from
Enabled Canadian team members looking for
ways to contribute to flood relief efforts to use
their Bravo points for contribution; and
Focused the annual TELUS Day of Giving
in the Philippines in December to typhoon
Contributed $100,000 by donating $50,000
Matched Canadian team member donations
to relief organizations through our charitable
emergency relief kits;
stepped up to lend a hand and implemented a
series of initiatives to help those in need:
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Coordinated volunteer opportunities for
team members in the Philippines to create
loved ones in the country, our TELUS team
Supported the Canadian Red Cross’ activation
of a text-to-donate campaign;
Philippines team members;
in the Philippines, as well as our Canadian
customers and team members with family and
Matched donations from TELUS International
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Offered free previews in the weeks after the
typhoon of TFC (The Filipino Channel) and
CNNi on Optik TV, featuring special coverage
on the ground in the Philippines.
November 8 to November 30;
Remembering Doug Reeves
On July 5, 2013, retired team member and
world class organization of which we can all be
TELUS Community Ambassador Doug Reeves
proud. His undeniable passion for helping those
passed away. A dedicated and longtime member
less fortunate benefited numerous charitable
of our TELUS family, Doug selflessly put others
organizations across B.C. and contributed to
ahead of himself and devoted his time to
TELUS being the first Canadian company in
improving the lives of his fellow citizens.
Doug joined BC TEL on April 3, 1951 and worked
in a variety of roles, including operations manager
To pay tribute to the exceptional contributions
and marketing manager. In his retirement, he
made by Doug to our company and our
worked tirelessly as volunteer coordinator for the
community over the years, the fourth floor
Vancouver TELUS Community Ambassadors,
auditorium at the Brian Canfield Centre was
coming into the office at the Brian Canfield Centre
renamed in his honour.
almost every weekday.
He leaves behind an unparalleled and powerful
Doug’s visionary leadership and incredible
legacy of giving that will resonate for years
capacity for giving elevated our TELUS
to come.
Community Ambassadors program, creating a
Page 4
history to be named the most philanthropic
corporation in the world.
Community Corner – TELUS Community Ambassadors
Community Ambassadors club updates
Atlantic Canada
The Atlantic Canada TELUS Community Ambassadors club’s
first year was nothing short of a success. Spread out over
three provinces, the executive team was quick to the start
line. Our story begins with TELUS Day of Giving followed by
the vigorous Paddle in Paradise in St. John’s. Kits for Kids,
Home for Dinner and the IWK photo shoot were praised in
their various communities. With our first year behind us, and
a lot of experience in tow, we look to increase our volunteer
pool and hours, and simply give where we live.
Barrie Community Ambassadors turned the Barrie office into
a photo studio to host a HELP Portrait event for families.
Announcing the winner of the Calgary 50/50 draw. From left to
right: Louise O’Brien; Lesley Ritchie; and Lorenzo DeCicco.
Delivering gifts to Kids Kottage with Kaylee and
Jessica Croft.
Barrie
Calgary
Edmonton
The Barrie Community Ambassadors club started
Other than the delivery of Kits for Kids,
The Edmonton Community Ambassadors
the fall season with a successful fundraiser for the
the summer months were fairly quiet. Our
proudly support Kids Kottage. Opened in 1995,
Alzheimer’s Society of Simcoe County. The club
volunteering picked up again in the fall/winter:
it was Edmonton’s first crisis nursery for the
hosted a bake sale and silent auction that raised
$3,540! The club has held an annual fundraiser
for the Alzheimer’s Society since 2007, raising
September
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Battle of the Breeds
$22,835. The Alzheimer’s Society recognized
our significant contribution with a special trophy
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Prepared and Served 482 meals at the
Mustard Seed
presentation.
Movember was a huge success this year. A
Helped at the Spruce Meadows Masters/
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Held a successful Stampede Breakfast
(postponed due to flooding in June) for
group of passionate team members, led by
64 people
Ryan Patterson, sold homemade chocolate
moustaches and raffled off prizes, raising
October and November
more than $3,000!
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for 25 attendees
In December, the Barrie Community
Ambassadors hosted a HELP Portrait event
offering free family photo sessions to those who
can’t afford them.
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Decorating and filling stockings with gifts for
the Barrie Women and Children’s shelter
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meeting
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Collecting $220 in gift cards for the Youth
Adopted two families for the holidays and
supported the Senior Secret Santa program
Donating homemade Christmas cards and
gifts to local senior’s homes
Received a presentation from the EMS
Foundation on the Capsule of Life at the ladies
Donating boxes of food to the
Grocery Assistance Program
Held a successful Christmas Luncheon for
215 guests, despite the snow and cold
assistance throughout the year, including:
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Volunteered at Samaritan’s Purse
December
This holiday season, the Barrie club wanted to
support many of the local causes that rely on our
Held our AGM, which was followed by lunch
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Volunteered at the TELUS Children’s
Christmas Play
We are looking forward to new and old
volunteering opportunities.
Haven shelter
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Donating teddy bears to the Season’s
Centre for Grieving Children
Page 5
Community Corner – TELUS Community Ambassadors
care of infants and children up to age 11. With
a mandate to prevent child abuse and neglect
before it becomes a way of life, the Kottage offers
24-hour service to parents.
Families are offered up to 72 hours crisis care
for their children. The Kottage is a trusted place
where children are cared for and kept safe.
The Kottage provides parents counseling,
referrals to other services and help coping with
their current and future situation. Less than 3%
of parents and children who participate in the
Kids Kottage program need government child
protection intervention.
Community Ambassadors club updates
Upper Island
The Upper Island Community Ambassadors
ended 2013 with a Christmas dinner in
Courtenay attended by 35 members. Food
bank donations were collected and given to
the Courtenay Food Bank.
Baby Bags were filled and delivered with six
going to Comox Hospital and six going to
Campbell River Hospital.
Our knitted lap robes were presented to
lorem
Campbell River’s Seniors’ Centre –
Fraser Valley Community Ambassador Lori Humphrey
presented a $1,000 cheque to MaryAnne Connor of
Nightshift Street Ministries.
Yucalta Lodge.
Fraser Valley
We are looking forward to a busy year in 2014.
The Fraser Valley Club had a very exciting fall,
volunteering at many activities, including:
Upper Island Community Ambassadors filled and
delivered 12 Baby Bags to local hospitals.
South Island
In support of our 2013 project, the
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Canuck Place golf tournament
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Surrey International World Music Marathon
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Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s Run for
the Cure (collecting water bottles)
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South Island Community Ambassadors
raised $5,665 for Santa’s Anonymous. A
cheque was presented at the CFAX 1070
(wrapping Christmas gifts)
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30,000 letters/pamphlets)
during the holidays.
supported:
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Sandy Merriman House
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Margaret Laurence House
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Comfort Kits and Caring For
Our Community
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TELUS Christmas Retiree Luncheon
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View Royal Fire Department
(comfort bears)
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Kits for Kids
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Royal Jubilee Auxiliary (hats for
cancer patients)
Lois Mcgregor and Connie Macdonald
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WINs New Start program
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Victoria General Hospital (baby bags)
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Luxton Rodeo
Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation (stuffing,
labeling, wrapping and bagging more than
volunteering at its tables at the mall twice
Our Community Ambassadors also
Presenting cheques to Nightshift Street
Ministries and Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Miracle on Broad Street in December. We
also supported Santa’s Anonymous by
Queens Park Hospital
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Donating half the money collected at our
Christmas Dinner ($3,610) to the CKNW
Orphans Fund and over 400 pounds of food
to the Surrey Food Bank
Ongoing activities include book sales, knitting
(preemie toques, finger puppets, blankets) and
sewing cancer hats. Our book sales are held
once a month at the Brian Canfield Centre, 6th
floor. To donate books, yarn or fabric, call Linda at
604-461-9892.
The Fraser Valley Club meets on the fourth
Tuesday of the month at the Centennial Centre,
65 E - 6th Ave, New Westminster, 11:30am.
Central Island
This fall, the Central Island Community
The Christmas lunch saw 125 retirees from Port
Ambassadors were busy. We put on a wonderful
Alberni to Duncan enjoy a wonderful meal and
dinner at the Salvation Army and had a record
reconnect with friends. We collected $1,050
300 clients enjoy a meal. Comfort Kits were given
in donations and $230 from the 50/50 draw to
out to those in need and more than 200 hand
benefit the Nanaimo Christmas Hamper Fund.
knitted hats were distributed. People commented
on how much they enjoy it when the TELUS
Ambassadors show up. Thanks to all who served,
cleaned up and gave out the kits. Twenty-five
children were thrilled to receive a TELUS critter.
Early December saw us deliver 25 Christmas
stockings (loaded with goodies and critters) and
25 fleece lap blankets to Malaspina Gardens
seniors’ home. These were to be given out to
residents needing some Christmas cheer.
Community Ambassadors Glen Husband (right) and Stan
Cameron (left) presented two cheques to Rob Anderson
(centre) of the Salvation Army
We have a passion for growth
Page 6
Community Corner – TELUS Community Ambassadors
Community Ambassadors club updates
In December, the Kootenay West Community Ambassadors
volunteered at St. Saviors Food Pantry collecting groceries
for those less fortunate.
Wendy’s DreamLift. From left to right: Bob Hill; the sheriff of
Orange County; and Allen Yelland.
Back (left to right): Ingrid Koch; Brenda Ramsdale; Sandy
Hart; and Kathy Berger. Front (left to right): Arlie Shenner
and Martha Falkenberg.
Kootenay West
Kamloops
Medicine Hat
In August, the Kootenay West Community
In 2013, we had three books sales to raise money
Medicine Hat has developed a fun loving,
Ambassadors volunteered at the second
for our community projects, including purchasing a
hardworking Community Ambassadors club
annual MS Society Bike Kootenay West Glacier
fridge for a new soup kitchen on the north shore.
in southern Alberta in one short year. To get
Challenge 2013 where more than $80,000 was
raised for the MS Society! We also held our third
annual picnic at Lakeside Park in Nelson.
In the fall, we worked on our Comfort Kits and
baby bags.
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Kits for Kids to schools in Kamloops and the
surrounding area since 2006.
to six seniors’ homes. We also made and delivered
everyone into the spirit of giving after summer
vacation we hosted a dinner where we collected
everyone’s input on new projects to embrace.
A team of Community Ambassadors assisted
Ducks Unlimited with set-up and the raffle at its
evening banquet.
Manned the Salvation Army kettle at our
more than 1,000 homemade Christmas cards for
In December, we helped with 600 lunches at the
local mall
residents of the homes to send to loved ones.
Medicine Hat Food Bank where we are referred to
Collected groceries for the St. Saviors
Food Pantry
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District #73 School Board for delivering 2,500
Before Christmas, we delivered 150 lap blankets
At Christmas, our Ambassadors:
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In November, our club was recognized by
Our Christmas dinner and dance was a great
success. It was well attended and many guests
Filled 45 seniors bags for those who may not
receive other gifts
Our annual Christmas dinner raised money for
our bursary fund for a local high school graduate,
which will be added to funds we are raising by
selling Passport to the Kootenays coupon books.
We also presented donations of $500 to Friends
of Nelson Elders in Care to help provide programs
won door prizes.
In January, our Caring for the Community
program served a meal to around 100 people at
the New Life Mission.
For information about volunteer opportunities,
please contact Karen Lefebvre 250 579-9574 or
Maureen Houchen 250 376-1935.
for seniors and $300 to the BC Cancer Society.
Kootenay East
The Kootenay East club had a very
successful 2013.
A garage sale was held in the fall and was a great
success. We also participated in our first craft
sale and did extremely well.
In November, we held elections and voted in:
Edith and Ray Leclair; Les and Connie Radcliffe;
Charlene Rothwell; Dave Cummings; Bud Lees;
and Diane Brown.
During the holidays, we delivered five boxes
of food, collected at several Community
Ambassador functions, to the Food Bank. On
December 10, we served a Christmas luncheon
for team members and retirees. On December 14,
130 people attended our Christmas Dinner where
a good time was had by all. Finally, on December
18, Santa handed out goodies to seniors at the
Legion, all of whom were extremely gracious.
Page 7
Community Corner – TELUS Community Ambassadors
as the “TELUS girls in green” and people always
ask where they can get a green shirt. A team
also worked a shift at the United Way Charity Gift
Wrap.
The Community Ambassadors are working with
the Medicine Hat Public Library to help with its
stitching events — inviting knitters, crocheters,
needle workers and those who want to learn to
help with projects for those in need.
Our Community Ambassadors are also involved
with two schools participating in 60 Minute
Kids’ Club.
Community Ambassadors club updates
Montreal
Le Groupe Communautaire L’itinéraire offers services to homeless and
those less fortunate. With the harsh winters in Montreal, and the holidays
around the corner, we wanted to bring a little warmth to their hearts. We
also wanted to let them know they are not forgotten.
We met in November at the TELUS cafeteria and prepared two HUGE
meat pies for a Saturday lunch for our friends at L’itinéraire. There was so
much meat pie they even had some to go. It was a great turnout.
A few weeks later, we received a letter telling us how that afternoon had
Michelle Brabant-Molleur; Jeannot Martel; shelter patron; Luc Barrette; Fabiola
Belotte; and shelter patron.
given so much hope and courage to those we had fed. We were all very
touched by this testimony.
This dedicated group of ladies spend hours sewing and knitting hats for Look Good Feel
Good Toques for the Southern Interior Cancer Lodge.
Together with the TELUS Finance team, the Ottawa Community Ambassadors donated and
delivered 800 pairs of socks to the Ottawa Salvation Army shelter.
Okanagan
Ottawa
A dedicated group of ladies spend hours making women look good and
The Ottawa Community Ambassadors had a busy second half of 2013. In
feel good. They are the devoted sewers who make the Look Good Feel
October, the Ambassadors hosted five veterans at the 6th annual Take a
Good Toques for the Southern Interior Cancer Lodge. TELUS Community
Veteran to Dinner night at Tudor Hall. The team also served lunch to more
Ambassadors have been part of this program for the past 19 years. In that
than 400 people at the Ottawa Mission.
time, 3,169 sewn hats and more than 200 knitted hats have been made.
Betty Vogl, the team lead, says they started small, making 29 hats in their
first year, but kept growing, and now they make up to 150 a year. Just think
of how many women have felt GREAT thanks to our volunteers.
Highlights of the Ottawa Christmas campaign include knitting and donating
more than 70 pairs of slippers for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
and donating 250 winter care items (hats, mitts, gloves, scarves) to the Ottawa
Mission, the Sheppard’s of Good Hope and St. Josephs Women’s Centre.
Finally, together with the Ottawa finance team, our Ambassadors donated and
delivered 800 pairs of socks to the Ottawa Salvation Army shelter.
We have the courage to innovate
Page 8
Community Corner – TELUS Community Ambassadors
Community Ambassadors club updates
The Québec City Community Ambassadors new
executive team. From left to right: Guy Savard, secretary;
Martine Perreault, newsletter/club reporter/media;
Émilie Champagne, treasurer; Jo-Ann Bourque, president;
Serge Gingras , volunteer coordinator; Sébastien Vachon,
social coordinator; and Marie-Claude Dallaire, fundraising
coordinator. Missing from photo: Yohan Gasse,
vice-president.
Red Deer Community Ambassadors volunteered at Poplar Ridge School’s garage sale raising funds to provide fresh
water to children in impoverished countries.
Québec City
Red Deer
The Québec City club kept busy feeding the
The Red Deer Community Ambassadors
The Pines Lodge has joined us in creating
homeless at La Maison de Lauberivière in Québec
supported Poplar Ridge School’s 2nd annual
bonnets and booties for the Red Deer
City over four nights last December. Three hundred
Pines Lodge Christmas Extravaganza. The
Regional Hospital pediatrics unit. The knitters
Comfort Kits for homeless and displaced families
school used the funds raised to create seasonal
also created scarves, toques and mittens for
were also delivered in December to La Maison.
gift baskets and perform a holiday concert for
shelters in Red Deer.
A painting project has been scheduled for La
the residents.
The fundraising efforts continue with our
Table de Quartier l’Engrenage in the St-Roch area
We continued to prepare lunches for
Community Ambassadors generously
for the first 2014 activity. La Table brings together
underprivileged students through 2013 and are
supporting the garage sale at Poplar Ridge
organizations that help the community and its
booked for the first half of 2014.
School. Funds raised from the sale help efforts
offices are in an old building that is in need of
some refreshment.
We gave a donation to the Red Deer Girls &
Boys Club to support a professional teenage
The Québec City club would like to thank our
leadership session focused on empowering
Community Ambassadors for their generosity
youth to make good life decisions.
to provide fresh water and other essentials to
children in impoverished countries.
and kindness.
Prince George Community Ambassadors with a quilt
donated to the cancer clinic. From left to right: Echo Hordy;
Sue Burrows; Dawn Quinn; Cheryl Purves; and Linda
Greenwood.
Prince George
Prince George celebrated Christmas with a joint
team member and Community Ambassador
dinner and dance. A great time was had by all
and the 50/50 draw raised $956 for the local
Parkinson’s group. Our Community Ambassadors
manned the coat check and made a further $400,
plus collected a van full of food for the food bank.
Sunshine Coast Community Ambassadors participated in the Giving Back project to provide those in need with
warm clothing this winter.
Sunshine Coast
Late last year, two local stores appealed to the
On Saturday, December 7, the giving back
community to donate unused clothing, bedding
happened, with a ton of coats, pants, shirts,
and shoes for St. Bart’s Food Bank for those
toques, bedding, sleeping bags and shoes for
in need.
adults and children donated! The St. Bart’s
Thanks to the winners of prizes who sold their
Our Community Ambassadors were asked
wins and donated to the Parkinson’s cause.
to provide two TELUS vans to collect and
We have completed a beautiful quilt that will
transport the donated items.
be donated to the local cancer clinic’s pain
The clothing companies placed ads in local
management program.
papers telling the community their idea for
We meet every Tuesday morning and would love
giving back.
to have you drop in. There are jobs for everyone,
or a cup of coffee if you just want to reconnect.
Page 9
Community Corner – TELUS Community Ambassadors
Food Bank shared the donations with the other
two local community food banks and St. Mary’s
Hospital Thrift Shop.
Our club is proud that we were asked to
participate in this wonderful project.
Community Ambassadors club updates
TELUS is a proud sponsor of the David Foster Foundation (DFF). On Dec 5, 2013 the DFF Gala in Toronto hosted 1,000
guests and raised $ 4.2 million in support of Canadian families with children in need of life saving organ transplants.
Rimouski Community Ambassador Michel Pineault
volunteering at l’Ile-Verte tragedy.
Toronto Central
Rimouski
The Toronto Central Community Ambassadors
The TELUS team was eager to help. Twenty‑five
thank our dedicated volunteers, who give their
volunteers assembled guest packages and
time and energy to various events and fundraisers
92 volunteers (74 from TELUS) spent 500 hours
in our communities. Thank you for all your efforts
assisting at the Gala, including at the registration
in 2013 and beyond!
desk, welcoming and ushering guests, selling
raffle tickets and the gala auction.
David Foster Foundation Gala
TELUS is a proud sponsor of the David Foster
Foundation (DFF). On December 5, 2013 the DFF
Gala in Toronto hosted 1,000 guests and raised
TELUS and l’Ile-Verte tragedy
A second tragedy happened in Quebec this
year, following the disaster in Lac-Mégantic this
summer. A large home for elderly people in the
small community of Bas-St-Laurent (one hour
west of Rimouski) burned down. The community
lost 30 people and another 30 residents lost their
TELUS Community Ambassador Toronto East
homes. The Ambassadors club of Rimouski,
and Central clubs offered to sponsor a family and
with the help of Vancouver team, managed to
are proud to give where we live.
send Comfort Kits to help those affected and
volunteered in the field with the Red Cross.
$ 4.2 million in support of Canadian families with
children in need of life saving organ transplants.
Pearl Koochin; Christa Kuzczak; Sharon Yli-Villamo; and
Hilliary Simpson.
Vancouver
Every year, the club organizes a Christmas
Stocking campaign where a number of agencies
are selected to receive stockings that are filled
by team members, retirees and their friends and
Toronto East Community Ambassadors executive team at the David Foster Foundation Miracle Gala. From left to right:
Monica Winger; Roxanne Reid; Marcia Johnson; Andrew Gemon; Zelma Kelly; Vonnette Cooper; and Jennifer Ellis.
families. The response to this year’s campaign
exceeded our expectations. 920 stockings
were collected for children and seniors. We also
provided movie passes for kids aged 13 to 16.
Toronto East
The Toronto East club continued to promote
The CHLOE Awards honoured our Ambassadors
engagement through multiple initiatives
Zelma Kelly (Emerging Leader) and Julia Palatino
encouraging spirited volunteerism. In August,
(Community Champion).
we raised more than $500 for Autism Canada
with a Basketball Shootout and stuffed over
300 backpacks with school supplies for kids.
This year’s campaign benefited Kate Booth
House, Purpose Society (Ready Set Grow),
Xolhemet Society, YWCA Crabtree Corner, Ishtar
Transition Society, Libra House, Frog Hollow
Our team also participated in We Day, fundraisers
Neighbourhood House and the 411 Seniors’
supporting the Philippines and Movember and the
Centre. We were also able to provide stockings
David Foster Foundation Miracle Gala.
to Atira Women’s Resources Society, Delta
We made a splash at our dunk tank fundraiser
Assistance, Windsor, Lynnmore and Connaught
to launch the annual United Way Campaign.
Schools, and a teen mom program at Burnaby
We raised more than $7,000 for the United Way
South Secondary School.
at multiple events.
A thank you letter received from Kate Booth
House said our stockings truly make it a proper
Christmas for so many children, and they didn’t
We believe in spirited teamwork
Page 10
Community Corner – TELUS Community Ambassadors
know what they would do without us.
Team member Pay Day Lottery
winners
Calendar of
events
Alberta
TELUS Community Ambassador Convention
September 05
Rob Lacroix
Calgary $4,671.00
September 19
Kelsey Samuels
Calgary $4,654.50
October 03
Michael VanDyke
Medicine Hat
$4,642.50
October 17
Brad Day
Edmonton
$4,633.50
National Volunteer Week
October 31
Chris Jerowsky
Calgary
$4,638.00
April 6 - 12, 2014
November 14
Melissa Melnyk
Edmonton $4,642.50
November 28
Ron Spoetter
Edmonton $4,662.00
TELUS Day of Giving
December 12
Beverly Baltesson
Calgary
$4,671.00
December 26
Darlene Cordingley
Edmonton
$4,668.00
January 09
Robert Winkle
Edmonton
$4,651.50
January 23
Sheila Sharma
Calgary
$4,662.00
National Philanthropy Day
February 06
Robert Ostapchuk
Edmonton
$4,690.50
Saturday, November 15, 2014
February 20
David Tomchuk
St.Albert
$4,698.00
September 05
Frank West
Vancouver
$6,450.00
September 19
Ben Fan Burnaby
$6,447.00
October 03
Julie Spink Burnaby
$6,447.00
October 17
Amandeep Grewal
Burnaby
$6,436.50
October 31
Sheryl Parton Burnaby
$6,474.00
November 14
Jesse Schell
Surrey
$6,478.50
November 28
Nancy McIntyre
Burnaby
$6,083.00
December 12
Duncan Russell
Victoria
$6,483.00
December 26
Jill Brander
Prince George
$6,468.00
January 09
Darla Duquette
Burnaby
$6,462.00
January 23
Tricia Eng Burnaby
$6,447.00
February 06
Mindy Johnson New Westminster
$6,463.50
February 20
Aaron Wilkinson
Chilliwack
$6,510.00
British Columbia
and Awards Dinner
April 3 - 4, 2014
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Dollars for Doers registration deadline
Wednesday, December 31 (online)
Upcoming club events
Calgary Stampede Luncheon
Monday, June 23, 2014
Noon
Elbow Park Exchange
Pre-registration required — limited seating (70)
Tickets $5 per person
Call Marilyn Papp 403-282-1088 or
Wendy Hoflin 403-603-3366
Sunshine Coast Summer BBQ at Coopers Green
Thursday, July 10, 2014
For details, contact Manjit Kang [email protected]
or 604-886-4964
Vernon Community Ambassador events
50/50 retiree lottery winners
Army & Navy Hall, 2500 – 46th Ave, Vernon
April 26: Spring Breakfast
August 14: TELUS BBQ
Alberta
October 25: Fall Breakfast
September
Bonnie Frederick Edmonton $1,920.00
December 7: Christmas Luncheon
October
Dale Girling Calgary
$1,936.00
November
Barbara Beaudoin Sherwood Park
$1,934.00
21st Annual Rustic Open Golf Tournament
December
Patricia Danderfer Seven Persons
$1,956.00
January
Christopher Zuke Sherwood Park
$1,966.00
February
Frederick Engelhardt Calgary
$1,994.00
September
John Nordgren
Delta
$3,027.50
For more information contact Dan Antonelli
October
John Burden Abbotsford
$3,025.00
604-522-8816
November
Anne Miller Kelowna
$3,025.00
British Columbia
Tall Timber Golf Course, Langley, BC
Hosted by TELUS Retirees Men’s Golf Club for
TELUS (BCTel) employees, retirees (and their families)
For entry form visit: golftalltimbers.com
December
Joyce Holm Kamloops
$3,032.50
January
Norman Swanson Nanaimo
$3,047.50
February
Myrna Gaucher
New Westminster
$3,065.00
In memoriam
If you would like to include the name of a TELUS retiree who has passed away, contact Stephanie
Franco at [email protected] or 1-866-697-8184. Permission from the family
is required before we can post a name.
Name of retiree
Date of death
George Miles
March 30, 2013
Shirley Matheson
August 26, 2013
Ed Gauthier
May 31, 2013
Place of residence
Kamloops, B.C.
Burnaby, B.C.
Calgary, A.B.
Robert A. Lagerstrom
December 6, 2013
Surrey, B.C.
James Noone
November 22, 2009
Victoria, B.C.
Arthur Beresford January 1, 2014
Page 11
Sunday, July 20, 2014; 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start
Community Corner – TELUS Community Ambassadors
Cranbrook, B.C.
Key contacts for
TELUS Community Ambassadors
Corporate contacts
Medicine Hat
Sunshine Coast
TELUS Community
Ambassadors
Sandy Hart
403-524-5260
[email protected]
Manjit Kang
604-886-4964
[email protected]
British Columbia
Upper Island
B.C. 50/50 lottery
Gordon Cromer
250-923-4668
[email protected]
6 – 768 Seymour Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 3K9
[email protected]
Stephanie Franco
1-866-697-8184 (toll free)
[email protected]
Team TELUS Cares
Dollars for Doers and Team
TELUS Charitable Giving
1-855-697-8183 (toll free)
[email protected]
Pension contacts
AB/B.C. and QC pension
Mercer
1-877-768-3587
B.C. TWU pension
Jane Olsen
Payment clerk
604-430-1317
Ross Simpson
604-432-2519
1-877-334-5050
[email protected]
(Tues. and Thurs.only)
B.C. provincial programs
Bobby Farr
604-432-5825
[email protected]
Central Island
Glen Husband
250-390-6616
[email protected]
Karen Conway
250-758-2288
[email protected]
Kootenay East
Retiree Customer Service
Concerns
[email protected]
SOS support team will respond within 48 hours
Club contacts
Alberta
Alberta 50/50 lottery
Mercer
1-877-768-3587
Alberta provincial programs
Gary Silsbe
780-508-1306
[email protected]
Edith LeClair
250-426-3131
[email protected]
Les Radcliffe
250-426-5441
[email protected]
Fraser Valley
Linda Jackson
604-461-9892
[email protected]
Evelyn Finlayson
604-581-6667
Kamloops
Pat Bauer
250-955-6463
[email protected]
Judy Haynes
250-578-8414
[email protected]
Calgary
Marilyn Papp
403-282-1088
[email protected]
Okanagan
Lesley Ritchie
403-236-3630
[email protected]
Calgary workshop
403-530-5252
[email protected]
www.telusplanet.net/public/cpsclg1
Al Tiller
250-717-3075
[email protected]
Prince George
Jean Brien
250-563-0222
[email protected]
Lorri Kidd
250-565-3345
[email protected]
Edmonton
Bonnie Frederick
780-465-5357
[email protected]
Salmon Arm
Linda Ardiel
780-475-7892
[email protected]
Pat MacLeod
250-835-8837
pmacleod1@
airspeedwireless.ca
Edmonton workshop
South Island
780-451-0713
[email protected]
Robert Hope
250-658-0171 | 250-213-2669
[email protected]
Red Deer
Tim Mearns
587-876-1279
[email protected]
Page 12
Maureen Yip
250-658-1244
[email protected]
Community Corner – TELUS Community Ambassadors
Shirley Harris
250-339-5917
[email protected]
Vancouver
Need more information?
Please contact Stephanie at
stephanie.‌franco@‌telus.‌com or at 1‑866‑697‑8184
Patti Armstrong
604-525-6505
[email protected]
Vernon
Colleen Dix
250-558-8585
Kootenay West
Marge Witton
250-352-5454
[email protected]
Bette Craig
250-352-7153
[email protected]
Ontario
Barrie
Brenda Simpson
705-792-3641
[email protected]
Ottawa
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Toronto Central
Crystal Brummell
416-883-4592
[email protected]
Toronto East
Vonnette Cooper
416-940-2507
[email protected]
Quebec
Montreal
Fatima Atik
514-882-0314
[email protected]
Quebec City
Jo-Ann Bourque
418-977-9101
[email protected]
Rimouski
Josée Lévesque
418-722-1433
[email protected]
Atlantic Canada
Jaye Lisson
506-878-7707
[email protected]
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