When the pandemic hit Canada in early March, information about the coronavirus, and how it spread, was scarce.
The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) was among the many organizations across the country left scrambling to adapt in an age of social distancing and public-health rules.
In those early days, it was unclear if it was safe to have animal-welfare colleagues working closely together, or whether the virus could be transmitted through the dogs, cats and other vulnerable animals under their care.
Suddenly, the critical rescue work performed by the organization was under threat.
That’s when TELUS stepped in with a plan to enable a virtual business model for the organization, its employees and its four-legged clients.
From the outset of the pandemic, TELUS has been offering hundreds of companies and organizations flexible and innovative communication tools and strategies to help manage and command business operations with confidence.
With bundled virtual work solutions that leverage technology like high-speed TELUS PureFibre Internet, Unified Communication and Collaboration tools like Business Connect Enhanced that safely enable real-time collaboration, and cyber security services, TELUS has been able to keep tens of thousands of employees connected and productive during the pandemic.
For the BC SPCA, the early implementation of TELUS’ business solutions meant the organization could rapidly reimagine its day-to-day management, and ensure all of its employees were able to do their life-saving work safely and effectively from home. In particular, the organization relied on the connectivity provided through TELUS Business Connect, a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system that allows users to easily manage calls on their computers, mobile phones, or desks, and connect with team members from any location.
“With the mobile app, we can now access our entire phone system, which has made crucial communications possible throughout the organization, as well as ongoing management and administration more efficient and faster during these challenging times, “ says John Andrew, CFO of the BC SPCA.
Critically, with TELUS’ help, the BC SPCA was able to streamline processes that had traditionally been time-consuming. By doing so, they’re able to save more animals like Toby, a cat living in a remote B.C. community that was in distress and not being given the necessary veterinarian care. A Good Samaritan called the BC SPCA’s Animal Cruelty hotline to report the concern.
Previously, the BC SPCA required the use of an office fax machine to request a search warrant from a judge. With the TELUS Business Connect mobile app, the BC SPCA was able to begin the warrant process on the spot, so animal protection officers could reach Toby quicker.
It’s just one example of how TELUS has helped keep the BC SPCA’s operations running smoothly so that the organization’s workers can focus on what matters most—the care and protection of animals in need.
“The pandemic has accelerated the need for businesses and other organizations to adapt and reimagine many different aspects of how they run their business and engage with their customers” says Navin Arora, President, TELUS Business Solutions.
“At TELUS, we are focused on enabling businesses, both big and small, to use technology to improve service with their customers, drive revenue growth and cost efficiency, and ensure their employees are engaged and safe.”
