TELUS Friendly Future Foundation Gala raises record $3M to transform lives of underserved youth across Canada with Lionel Richie headlining event

Executive Summary

• The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation's third annual gala raised a record $3 million to fund over 500 bursaries and 500 community grants for underserved Canadian youth.
• The fundraising follows a landmark $1 million personal donation from TELUS CEO Darren Entwistle and his wife, which officially launched the Entwistle Technology Bursary for STEM-focused students.
• The Foundation plans to use proceeds from sold donated securities and additional cash to purchase approximately $1.05 million in TELUS common shares on the NYSE, with future dividends earmarked to fund the new bursary long-term.

Key Details

• Gala Fundraising: Raised a record $3 million on June 18, 2026, at the TELUS Centre in Toronto, bringing the three-year gala total to over $8.1 million.
• Foundation Impact: Since inception, the Foundation and TELUS Community Boards have provided $140 million to youth. In 2025 alone, the Foundation awarded over $10 million in bursaries and grants.
• CEO Donation & Bursary: Darren and Fiona Entwistle donated $1 million personally, launching the Entwistle Technology Bursary to support youth in financial need pursuing post-secondary education in science, math, and technology.
• Share Purchase Strategy: The Foundation intends to purchase ~$1,050,000 CAD worth of TELUS common shares on the NYSE using net proceeds from the sale of donated securities and an additional cash donation.
• Purchase Mechanics: Share purchases will commence after June 29, 2026. The exact number of shares depends on net proceeds, prevailing market prices, and FX rates. The transaction qualifies as an indirect issuer bid and is exempt from formal issuer bid requirements under Canadian securities laws.
• Dividend Funding: Dividends generated from the purchased TELUS shares will serve as the ongoing funding source for the Entwistle Technology Bursary.
• Sponsorship: Major sponsors include RBC Capital Markets, Amazon, Google Cloud, TD Securities, WestJet, CIBC, Samsung, and others.

Notable Quotes

• Darren Entwistle, President & CEO, TELUS: "The generosity demonstrated tonight will help remove barriers and create pathways to education for Canada's next generation of leaders who exemplify a passion for social purpose in their communities! The Together for Tomorrow Gala, and the $3M raised by generous supporters, is a testament to our belief that doing well in business and doing good in our communities are mutually inclusive."
• Nimmi Kanji, Executive Director, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation: "The funds raised at the gala will directly support our mission to remove barriers and ensure that every young person in Canada, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to reach their full potential."
• Juggy Sihota, Chair, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation: "The money raised at the gala will create lasting pathways for underserved young Canadians to break down barriers of entry, pursue their dreams and become the changemakers our country needs."