Mr. Speaker, last week, I met with a local child care worker named Christian who shared with me how devastating COVID has been on the children he cares for, how he struggles to provide important daily necessities for these children, and how that has negatively impacted the children's mental health, well-being and self-esteem. Christian did not know who to turn to.
That night, Kelly and I were trying to figure out a solution to his problem. The next day, I made a number of calls, and one included a call to Telus.
Telus has a motto, “Give where they live.” Since 2006, Telus has distributed more than 165,000 kits for kids across Canada. This year, it is handing out 14,000 backpacks stuffed with school supplies for young people in need. Telus volunteers donate over one million plus hours every year. Over $1.3 billion has been donated by Telus members and retirees since 2000. Their social purpose truly is at the heart of everything they do.
Last week, when I made the urgent call for help, Telus answered. Local Telus volunteers stepped in and collected emergency supplies for 60 at-risk youth in my riding.
I want to personally thank Telus for answering the call. It is truly building a better future for all Canadians.