TELUS sends strong social signal to youth

As they launch a new youth-empowerment initiative in partnership with Free The Children, TELUS is broadcasting one message loud and clear: young people can change the world.

“At TELUS we really believe that the key to a healthier, friendlier community in the future is teaching and inspiring kids today,” says Jill Schnarr, vicepresident, community affairs, at TELUS.

The telecommunications company recently joined forces with Free The Children to launch its Give Where You Live curriculum. The initiative will combine a Free The Children speaking tour with a three-part school curriculum about philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and local issues. The curriculum will inspire tens of thousands of middle and high school students to give back to their communities while providing the resources to do so.

“Young Canadians already have the heart and the will to act, but not always the necessary resources,” said Josh Blair, TELUS executive vice-president and chief corporate officer. “That’s where we come in. We want to connect with our youth and provide them the support and tools they need in order to act on their desire to change the world, one community at a time.”

And the company is ready to back that belief. Through the speaking tour they’re offering $1,000 charitable grants to schools that develop strategies to support local causes chosen by students.

The project was kicked off this past January, when TELUS showcased the results of their last youth empowerment initiative: the 20K Idea Contest. Last fall, they challenged youth to present their big ideas for supporting local causes and donated $20,000 to the winning entry’s charity. Contest winners Chloe Noel and Lindsay Rideout attended the launch to tell their peers how they could make a difference locally.

With the Give Where You Live curriculum spreading across Canada, even more high school students can look forward to the chance to give back to their communities.