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   ITAC (Information Technology Association of Canada) Annual IT Hero Awards – The Corporate IT Hero Award recognizes a for-profit public or privately-owned business that can demonstrate the creative application of IT in improving the lives of Canadians.

   TELUS donated development and technology services to support Upopolis, an online social network designed exclusively for hospitalized kids.

   Winners were determined by a panel of judges who assessed the nominees and their projects for innovation and creativity, as well as initiative and leadership, positive and measurable impact on Canadians, and effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability.

   “The judging panel was very impressed with the quality of the applications this year,” said awards judge Christian Couturier, Director General of the National Research Council of Canada. “Each of the individuals and companies that were nominated should be applauded for the important work they’re doing and the impact that their initiatives are having right across the country.”

   Corporate IT Hero Award – winner profile

   When two young friends (Katy and Christina) each had lengthy stays in the hospital, they felt disconnected from

   friends, family and had difficulty keeping up with schoolwork. With Upopolis, the first secure

   online social network for kids in hospital care, TELUS and its partners are empowering kids to

   learn about their illness, have access to their homework and teachers and stay connected with

   friends and family during what can be the most challenging time in a child’s life.

   Upopolis is a secure online social network designed exclusively for hospitalized kids. The site

   was created by the Kids’ Health Links Foundation (KHLF) using development and technology

   services donated by TELUS. Upopolis provides a personal profile, secure mail, instant chat,

   discussion boards, personal blogs and links to child-friendly games, as well as a homework site,

   kid-friendly health and wellness information, and connections to other children with the same

   condition.

   “We are honoured to receive the Corporate IT Hero Award,” said Joe Natale, President, TELUS

   Business Solutions. “The private sector has a vital role to play in helping Canadian healthcare

   providers continue to modernize the patient experience, particularly for children and their

   families. Technology is so prevalent in young peoples’ lives, and this kind of communications

   continuity can boost their spirits and their health. We are excited to be part of the Upopolis

   partnership and champion the power of technology to improve the healthcare experience for sick

   kids.”

   McMaster Children’s Hospital rolled out the program in December 2007, with other children’s

   hospitals across Canada launching in partnership with KHLF over the next year.

   The child-friendly medical content was developed by KHLF in partnership with McMaster

   Children’s Hospital.

   About the ITAC IT Hero Awards

   The ITAC IT Hero Awards, presented by Intel, celebrate and recognize creative applications of

   information technology that significantly improve the lives of Canadians and readily demonstrate

   social and economic benefit. The IT Hero Awards program was developed in 2001 by ITAC in

   partnership with Industry Canada. By naming winners in both Corporate and Community

   categories, the awards celebrate and recognize the achievements of people across Canada who

   used technology in innovative ways to help others. The award was launched as a feature of IT

   WEEK, a time to reflect on the successful impact of IT on society. For more information, visit
   http://www.itheroawards.com or http://www.itac.ca

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   Posted by Glyn Ganong | July 8, 2008, 3:30 pm
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