With wildfires burning across British Columbia, Vancouver-based Telus says it’s putting $2 million toward relief, split between network connectivity, data top-ups and bill credits for affected customers, plus donations to charities on the ground.
The carrier is directing money and resources to affected First Nations and non-profits, including the Salvation Army BC and local food banks, while trying to keep communications running for residents and first responders.
“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,” said Victor Dodig, President and CEO of Telus, in a statement to iPhone in Canada on Wednesday.
Telus technicians are working around the clock to keep infrastructure running in rough conditions. That includes hauling in generators to keep cell sites alive where commercial power has gone out, and repairing damaged equipment once it’s safe to get in.
The company says its teams are also coordinating with government agencies and relief organizations to set up connectivity at evacuation centres and command posts, and deploying mobile solutions to patch holes where fixed infrastructure has been knocked out.
Evacuated Telus and Koodo postpaid mobility customers are automatically getting 50GB of free wireless data. Telus is also crediting Internet, TV, home phone and SmartHome Security bills for all evacuated households, and says it will keep home services billing paused for anyone facing an extended evacuation or displacement. There are over 20,000 evacuated right now due to BC wildfires and that includes everyone in Summerland.
There’s a dedicated line for evacuated customers at 1-855-889-7233, open starting Wednesday, August 12, for help with services and re-entry plans.
On the ground, Telus staff and volunteers are dropping off emergency kits with supplies, spare phones, power bank and charging cables at evacuation centres.
Telus and the Telus Friendly Future Foundation are committing $100,000 to affected First Nations, including the Okanagan Indian Band and Westbank First Nation, along with local charities handling immediate aid.
Customers who want to pitch in can text DONATE to 41010 to give $20, or redeem Telus Rewards points toward wildfire relief through the foundation.
Telus is also pointing people to its Health Community Crisis Support line at 1-844-751-2133, which offers free support and resource referrals to anyone in Canada, 24/7.
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