TELUS supporting Jasper re-entry and rebuild efforts, keeping residents connected

TELUS technicians are onsite at the Jasper Re-Entry Centre to provide technical assistance and connectivity solutions for residents

JASPER, AB, Aug. 16, 2024 /CNW/ - As Jasper residents return home for the first time in more than three weeks, TELUS is committed to ensuring the Jasper community can access the connectivity they need to stay informed and in contact with their loved ones during this difficult time. Over the past few weeks, TELUS crews have been working around the clock in the Jasper area to maintain critical infrastructure under the most challenging conditions to ensure network connectivity for first responders and returning evacuees.

Beginning Friday, returning residents will find TELUS technicians available at the Jasper Re-Entry Centre at Commemoration Park, 1324 Pyramid Lake Rd, ready to provide immediate technical assistance. Customers can also pick up free temporary wireless home phone and internet solutions there. Those who need to make adjustments to their TELUS services or temporarily pause them can reach out to one of our representatives at 1-855-889-7233 to discuss the best ways we can help.

"We know that this is an extremely difficult time for so many people impacted by the devastating wildfires in Jasper," said Jill Schnarr, Chief Social Innovation, Communications and Brand Officer, TELUS. "Our top priority is keeping the people of Jasper safe and connected to their loved ones and the information that matters most. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to our incredible team, who are onsite providing technical assistance and connectivity solutions for returning residents. Our hearts remain with all of those affected as we continue to support the Jasper community during these times of uncertainty."

TELUS' donations and in-kind support to assist with relief efforts in Jasper include:

• Rapidly deploying a cell tower on wheels (COW) to provide wireless connectivity and support emergency communications along a no-coverage section of Highway 16
• Continually refuelling back-up generators to keep communication lines safely up and running after a loss of commercial power
• Working closely with the Incident Command Center to protect critical network infrastructure
• Distributing adult and youth disaster kits at evacuation centers containing essential items such as emergency blankets, reusable water bottles, charging cables and activities for kids
• Offering data top-ups and waiving long-distance mobile, home phone, texting and roaming fees for evacuees and those affected
• Donating $100,000 through the TELUS Future Friendly Foundation to local charities supporting relief efforts, including GlobalFire, Parachutes for Pets, Food Banks Alberta, Jasper Community Team Society and the Northern Alberta Resiliency Fund
• Activating a text-to-donate fundraising campaign whereby TELUS customers can text the word DONATE to 41010 to give $20 to TELUS Friendly Future Foundation to support registered charities providing emergency relief efforts
• Enabling customers in Alberta and B.C. to redeem their TELUS Rewards points for a $20 donation to TELUS Friendly Future Foundation in support of wildfire relief
• Offering a free Community Crisis Support line for emotional support, accessible 24/7 to all Canadians at 1-844-751-2133, provided by TELUS Health
• Supplying free counselling sessions through TELUS Health MyCare
• Providing no-cost vet tech appointments through TELUS Health MyPet

As Jasper begins to rebuild, TELUS is working closely with the Municipality of Jasper, the Government of Alberta, Parks Canada and local utility providers to explore options to bring TELUS PureFibre, our award-winning internet technology, to the entire community. TELUS PureFibre is up to 85 per cent more energy efficient than copper, and more resistant to environmental factors, making it more reliable and less prone to outages or disruptions during severe weather emergencies. Over the last five years, TELUS has invested $125 million in emergency response, network protection and community investment, supporting those impacted by wildfires and floods across Canada.

To donate to support communities in need, visit friendlyfuture.com. To learn more about our disaster relief efforts visit telus.com/WildfireRelief.

About TELUS

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with more than $20 billion in annual revenue and over 19 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS' global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

Operating in 32 countries around the world, TELUS Digital Experience (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across strategic industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media, eCommerce and fintech, banking, financial services and insurance, healthcare, and others.

TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides employee and family primary and preventive healthcare and wellbeing solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS' strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventive and mental health outcomes covering over 75 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.7 billion, including 2.2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let's make the future friendly.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us at @TELUSNews on X and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

For more information, please contact:

Tricia Lo
TELUS Media Relations
[email protected]

SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.