TELUS team members help food grow for pollinators. Here’s how

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if part of your work life could be spent indulging your passion for nature?
WWF-Canada and TELUS created an opportunity for TELUS team members and volunteers to do just that by planting pollinator gardens all over the country as part of their TELUS Days of Giving. The annual volunteer initiative, which took place between May 14 and June 12, encourages employees and volunteers to donate their time to make a difference in their communities and for the environment.

© Roger Hallet / WWF-Canada
© Roger Hallet / WWF-Canada

This year, more than 900 TELUS volunteers participated across the country, planting gardens to help restore pollinator populations. TELUS is also the presenting sponsor of WWF’s volunteering program, championing passionate and hardworking conservation volunteers for the future.
TELUS team members were able to create vital food sources and habitats for these important species while engaging in a fun, nature-based activity with their co-workers, friends and family. It was a buzzing success. Here’s what a few had to say:

  • “It will be a great way to talk my daughter about bees and other pollinators, not just for one day but all throughout the growing season. Her school is having a beekeeper come in to talk to the kids about the importance of bees, so this activity will tie in perfectly!”— Trina Bonneux
  • “It was important for me to support this TELUS Days of Giving activity, because I wanted to help build a better, greener community and encourage more team members do the same.” — Kyle Brown

Bumble bee (Bombus pennsylvanicus) hovering beside pink flower. © John L. Hanson / WWF-Canada
Bumble bee (Bombus pennsylvanicus) hovering beside pink flower. © John L. Hanson / WWF-Canada

Pollinator species such as bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds are all needed to pollinate the flowers we love and the fruits and vegetables that sustain us. More than 180,000 different plant species and more than 1,200 crops, making up one-third of the food we eat, require the help of pollinators to grow. However, evidence shows that pollinator populations are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change and the introduction of invasive plant and animal species. This poses a serious problem because of the vital role these creatures play in supporting life on this planet.
Interested in hosting environmental employee engagement activities and fundraising for nature conservation programs year-round with your colleagues? Join Living Planet @ Work and get free access to tools and resources to help you.