Telus donates 18 houses to GK

MANILA, Philippines - Call center firm Telus officially turned over yesterday 18 houses to disadvantaged families in Gawad Kalinga (GK) 2 Village in Batasan Hills, Quezon City as part of its program to help communities.

Telus International president said they started with a team of 700 volunteers in 2007 and they now have 2,000 team members lending a hand to build homes for people in need.

“Thousands of people willingly giving their time and energy, many after working a long night shift, to help people they don’t even know – I am truly inspired,” he said during Telus’ Day of Service yesterday.

GK founder Tony Meloto who was guest speaker, said their “simple goal is to get everyone to work together, to just bridge gaps between rich and poor, and between government and private sector.” Canadian Ambassador Christopher Thornley also graced the awarding of the houses.

In addition to GK, Bantay Bata and Bantay Kalikasan, Telus International Philippines also partnered with Charity First and Virlanie Foundation. TIP president Javier Infante acknowledged the role of these organizations in making the 2011 Telus Day of Service a success.

“This is the first time that Charity First and Virlanie Foundation have joined us for this momentous activity. We are very pleased to welcome them as our partners in our corporate social responsibility efforts,” Infante said.