Tonight, the David Foster Foundation and TELUS will announce a partnership to increase organ donor awareness in Canada. Darren Entwistle, TELUS President and CEO, will make the announcement during the Foundation's sold-out gala event this evening in Toronto.
The star-studded evening will feature Lionel Richie, Charice, and Peter Cetera. At the event, Entwistle will also be recognized with the National Philanthropy Business Leader of the Year Award for his leadership and TELUS' outstanding community involvement.
"TELUS team members across Canada are committed to the Be a Donor Save a Life program which encourages people to register to become organ donors in their province," said Entwistle. "When TELUS team members, Ambassadors and Community Boards set their sights on making a difference, they are passionate and united in their pursuit of this goal. We stand as one behind the heroic efforts of the David Foster Foundation."
"I will be privileged to accept the National Business Philanthropy Leader Award on behalf of all 35,000 TELUS team members," said Entwistle. "I am humbled by the magnitude of what the TELUS team has accomplished thus far and honoured to receive this exceptional award on their behalf. I am indebted to the entire TELUS team for their tireless efforts to give where we live and make positive and long-lasting impacts in our communities."
"We are so pleased to have TELUS on board with the Be a Donor program," said David Foster, chairman and founder. "TELUS' dedication to the communities it serves is truly amazing. This will, without a doubt, help boost the number of registered organ donors in Canada."
The Be a Donor corporate challenge encourages organizations to talk to their employees about becoming registered organ donors in Canada. Currently, 85 per cent of Canadians feel that organ donation is beneficial but only 14 per cent are registered as donors.