August 11th, 2020

Toronto, ON – YWCA Canada is grateful for the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation’s donation of $100, 000 to support our COVID-19 response across Canada.

Through their support, YWCAs across the country will be able to continue to provide essential services such as child care, housing and shelter services. The funds will be used to protect against COVID-19 by purchasing personal protective equipment and modifying our service delivery to adhere to physical distancing requirements. Most importantly, the donation will be used to support vulnerable communities, especially women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people in need of social support, services and shelter.

Maya Roy, CEO of YWCA Canada highlighted, “There is no mistaking – the COVID-19 crisis will have gendered impacts for years to come. Through this donation, we will be able to protect against the health, economic and social effects, on individuals, families and communities. Our local YWCAS are stepping up every day – this donation will enable them to continue to serve and do their part to flatten the curve and come back from this crisis more resilient than before.”

“During this unprecedented public health emergency, we are especially focused on supporting our communities and enabling urgent funding where it is needed most,” said Dee Brown, Executive Director, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. “Supporting YWCA Canada​, is one way we are doing our part to help vulnerable Canadians in the fight against COVID-19. TELUS commends ​YWCA Canada for its impressive work and for taking care of Canadians across the country.”

For more information on this initiative or YWCA Canada, please visit https://ywcacanada.ca/and for more on TELUS Friendly Future Foundation visit https://www.friendlyfuture.com/en/foundation

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About YWCA Canada

YWCA Canada is a leading voice for women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people. For 150 years, we’ve been at the forefront of a movement: to fight gender-based violence, build affordable housing and advocate for workplace equity. We work to advance gender equity by responding to urgent needs in communities, through national advocacy and grassroots initiatives. Local YWCAs invest over $258 million annually to support over 330,000 individuals across the nation. Today, we engage young leaders, diverse communities, and corporate partners to achieve our vision of a safe and equitable Canada for all.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Anjum Sultana, Director of Public Policy & Strategic Communications

asultana@ywcacanada.ca | 647 205 3079