Telus and the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (CAFC) have announced a partnership that will provide Ontario youth with free smartphones and subsidized mobile plans.
With the Mobility for Good program, up to 7,200 youth transitioning from foster care will be given a phone and and Telus mobile plan at $0 per month, including unlimited nationwide talk and text and up to 3GB of monthly data usage.
Youth will be able to see bills covered by Telus to encourage them to “build positive credit and gain the skills required to manage their finances in the future,” according to Telus.
Telus first launched the program last year in British Columbia and expanded into Quebec earlier this month. Telus and the CAFC plan to bring the program to additional provinces across Canada later this year.
“For youth transitioning out of care, a smartphone is a lifeline to helping them achieve independence,” says Valerie McMurtry, president and CEO of Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada. “Telus’ commitment to provide these youth with a life-changing and potentially life-saving connection not only helps to bridge the digital divide in Canada, but it will enable these young people to search for somewhere to live, look for job opportunities and stay in touch with friends and support networks, which is so important when you are living on your own for the first time without the support of a permanent family.”
“At Telus, a cornerstone of our social purpose is our heartfelt commitment to helping youth rise above and realize their full potential,” added Darren Entwistle, Telus president and CEO. “The Telus Mobility for Good program is one way we can help Canadian youth transitioning out of foster care remain connected to the many opportunities that encourage their full participation in our digital economy.”
According to Telus, approximately 2,300 youth age out of Canada’s child welfare system and become ineligible for the type of support they need each year.
Source: Globe Newswire
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