Capital is steadily coming in from Canada’s private sector to boost relief efforts amid devastating floods that have hit the province this past week.
Vancouver-based Telus Corp. (TSX:T) and rival Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX:RCI) have each pledged $1 million — some consisting of in-kind support — towards assisting British Columbians affected by storms that have flooded communities and washed out highways throughout the southern portion of the province.
Rogers is giving $1 million to the B.C. Search and Rescue Association through a multi-year partnership it said would help with immediate and long-term support for search and rescue services in the province. The telecom giant said the money would also support new technology and specialized equipment for B.C.’s 79 teams and 3,000 volunteers.
Telus is offering $500,000 in in-kind support for what it describes as health, network and community services.
Another $100,000 is being donated to the Canadian Red Cross to support the latter’s flood relief efforts, while $100,000 will go to local food banks and $50,000 will go to the B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (B.C. SPCA) to help animals and livestock in affected areas.
The Telus Friendly Future Foundation is donating $100,000 to charities helping with relief efforts and Telus community boards are donating $50,000 to charities.
Shaw Communications Inc. has committed $500,000 to the Canadian Red Cross, Food Banks BC, and what it describes as local grassroots organizations that will be assisting those affected by flooding.
Vancouver-based mining giant Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK) is pledging $150,000 to the Canadian Red Cross and $50,000 to the B.C. SPCA, while another $50,000 will go to match donations to emergency relief efforts from Teck employees.
Lumber giant Canfor Corp. (TSX:CFP), also based in Vancouver, is committing $125,000 to the Canadian Red Cross’ efforts.
Montreal-based Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSX: LB) also announced it would be donating $25,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support immediate and ongoing relief work.
Beyond private companies, the Steelworkers labour union also announced it’s donating $50,000 to United Way via its own Steelworkers Humanity Fund charity.
