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TELUS & LGF: Give Where You Live

By Nicole Keay

The numbers of Canadians, youth and adults, with eating disorders are on the rise. With at least 1.5 million affected, the importance of fostering a community who cares couldn’t be more crucial.

The LGF community is built on individuals whose lives have been touched by the tragedy of this disease. Whether it was their own personal struggle, or the struggle of someone close to them; they know the pain and suffering first-hand.

But it isn’t just individuals who have stepped forward in support. It’s corporations who give generously to our innovative approaches to prevention, early intervention and support. It’s corporations who understand that with help, recovery IS possible, and they are contributing to the magic of making it happen.

It’s corporations like TELUS.

Since our partnership began in 2010, TELUS has been a proud supporter with its generous, multi-year Platinum Sponsorship of our annual fundraising Gala, as well as its in-kind donation of technology services.

We recently sat down with our TELUS Senior Community Investment Manager, Erin Fawcett to talk more about our connection, eating disorders, and how our relationship continues to reflect the TELUS philosophy – give where you live!

Why does TELUS continue to support the Looking Glass Foundation?

The LGF is obviously a cause that speaks for itself in terms of its value. TELUS truly believes the future is friendly and who is our future? Youth. So focusing on them and their health is what will help us deliver our promise. 

What is it about eating disorders specifically that TELUS sees as worthy of funding?

We are seeing an increasing number of youth falling victim to eating disorders and it’s a tragedy we can’t ignore. Supporting organizations that provide innovative programs that help build self-esteem, provide early-intervention, support and prevent these illnesses align with our own health initiatives.

Our TELUS Health teams have been working for over a decade to tackle the challenges facing our healthcare system. We’ve invested more than $1.6 billion to bring patient-centered solutions to market and our newly formed Consumer Health team will empower Canadians to take control of their health with the information, tools and technology they need to live happier and healthier lives.

We agree Erin! Whether it’s youth who are affected, or men and woman of any age, eating disorders are a serious illness that can’t be ignored. It’s an illness that strips daring, intelligent minds of their worth, their passions, and their hope. Bright, full lives quickly fill with darkness. By growing our community, creating meaningful dialogue, we allow for an openness and acceptance that encourages sufferers to find their voice and to speak out and ask for help.

[dt_quote type="pullquote" layout="left" font_size="big" animation="none" size="4"]We are seeing an increasing number of youth falling victim to eating disorders and it’s a tragedy we can’t ignore. Supporting organizations that provide innovative programs that help build self-esteem, provide early-intervention, support and prevent these illnesses align with our own health initiatives.[/dt_quote]

The stigma that accompanies eating disorders and mental health is a big factor in why so many stay silent. How does TELUS support their own employees who may be struggling with mental health issues?

TELUS has a wealth of resources available to support our team members:

• There are six TELUS Resource Groups that exist to help build a culture of inclusiveness at work so that our team members feel welcome and supported in their workplace. Of these, Connections, our women’s network and Spectrum, our LGBTQ network are two that standout to me as vital channels of support for team members that may be struggling with mental illness.

• The People & Culture team is also a source of support. Financial assistance for practitioners is available to employees but resource support is also available to help employees connect with practitioners

• Our “Work Styles” program is another. Team members are encouraged to work with their leaders to develop their own flexible work schedule to meet the needs of both their work and personal lives. The ability to work from home offers the flexibility to spend more time with family, book doctors’ appointments during the day and generally stay more active and healthier.

As mental health awareness grows, how will TELUS emerge as a leader in supporting mental health initiatives?

Our TELUS health team is developing some very exciting new patient-centered solutions in the coming year that will help better connect consumers with their pharmacists and doctors and be in control of their own healthcare needs.

How does TELUS encourage their employees to get involved in their communities and local charities?

Again, we are given a great deal of options to help give where we live:

• TELUS Match: TELUS will match donations made by our team members to registered charities up to $2500

• Volunteer Rewards: for every hour our team members volunteer, TELUS will donate $1 to the charity of their choice

• TELUS Days of Giving: We work with our local community partners to build a wide variety of activities (gardening, painting, food sorting, etc.) and from May 13-June 11, TELUS encourages team members to invite their family and friends to volunteer with them to support their community.

• Our new volunteer platform allows employees to directly connect with these community partners year-round to support as needed

We love that TELUS not only gives back but also encourages their employees to really get involved at the community level. We’ve seen how fruitful this philosophy can be and look forward to encouraging even more community engagement in the years to come.

We’re truly grateful for the spirit and philosophy and generosity of organizations like TELUS. It really does matter. It really does help give hope and support to so many who need it. Thank you!

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