Will award $100,000 in grants each year to youth-serving organizations
Stock Symbol: MBT
WINNIPEG, Dec. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - MTS has been contributing to Manitoba's
social and economic growth and development for more than a century.
Today the Company unveiled a new community investment program focused
on Manitoba youth, to help them build a better, brighter future. The
plan, called Future First, articulates a clear vision for continuing MTS's long-standing
contribution to a thriving economy and support of Manitoba communities
with a strong new focus on providing opportunity and optimism for young
people.
The goal of the MTS Future First strategy is to achieve positive social change through annual grants and
community event support focused on the advancement of Manitoba youth,
post-secondary educational scholarships, sponsorships, and an annual
company-wide United Way campaign. It will also encourage and support
MTS employee and retiree volunteerism and fundraising at other
community-building events throughout the province. Proceeds from the
MTS cell phone recycling program will also be channeled towards Future First.
A wide range of Manitobans will have direct input into how Future First resources are allocated and will be part of the process of selecting 10
youth-serving organizations that will each receive a $10,000 grant
towards its work in the community. Details about the application
process and how Manitobans will help in the selection of Future First grants will be announced early in the New Year. The annual infusion of
$100,000 in direct funding will be presented in celebration of Manitoba
Day, May 12th, marking the anniversary of the date in 1870 when The Manitoba Act,
which created the Province of Manitoba, received Royal Assent.
"Future First grants will put funds in the hands of organizations that are truly
making the province a vibrant place for young people to pursue their
goals," said Pierre Blouin, MTS Allstream Chief Executive Officer. "It
will be a privilege to support these organizations and help them
continue their important work."
The challenges facing many of Manitoba's youth are varied and complex --
issues ranging from poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare
support, and accessibility challenges. Manitoba's level of child
poverty continues to rank among the highest in Canada. There are many
organizations in the community working to remove these barriers, as
well as providing growth and development opportunities through
education, the arts, recreation and sport. MTS intends to support the
work of these organizations and help provide the means to create new
initiatives.
While the strong new focus on youth is new, MTS has had a long-standing
history of community investment in Manitoba. Millions of dollars and
more than one million volunteer hours have flowed back to the
community, channeled by corporate community investment initiatives and
the tireless individual commitment of MTS staff and retirees who take
pride in the impact of MTS in our communities.
"Few organizations in the province have roots that run as deep or as
wide as MTS," said Blouin. "That's why our corporate commitment to
strengthening our community has always been so strong -- Manitoba is
our home. And to help make it as strong and sustainable as possible,
it's clear that our corporate emphasis must remain on investing in
community initiatives that deliver results, right here at home. We are
dedicated to making Manitoba a better place, for ourselves and for our
children."
For more information about Future First, please visit www.mts.ca/futurefirst.
About MTS
MTS is the leading full-service communications provider for residential
and business customers in Manitoba. The company's suite of products and
services include the latest in wireless technology, high-speed
Internet, an award-winning IPTV service, voice services, home security,
and an extensive range of business solutions. A technology leader, MTS
operates advanced wireless networks delivering the best coverage for
Manitobans with its 4G, CDMA and Wi-Fi wireless networks and is
investing to build out its extensive fibre-to-the-home network in over
20 Manitoba communities. MTS's momentum is fuelled by the knowledge,
skills and spirit of its 3,000 Manitoba-based employees. With over 100
years of operations, MTS is rooted firmly in the community and is a
proud sponsor of the MTS Centre, home to the NHL's Winnipeg Jets. MTS
is wholly owned by Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. which is listed on
the TSX (trading symbol: MBT). For information on MTS's products and
services, please visit www.mts.ca.
Forward-looking Statements Disclaimer
This news release includes forward-looking statements and information
(collectively, the "statements") about the Company's corporate
direction, business opportunities, operations, financial objectives and
future financial results and performance that are subject to risks,
uncertainties and assumptions. As a consequence, actual results in the
future may differ materially from any conclusion, forecast or
projection in such forward-looking statements. Therefore,
forward-looking statements should be considered carefully and undue
reliance should not be placed on them. Examples of statements that
constitute forward-looking information may be identified by words such
as "believe", "expect", "project", "should", "anticipate", "could",
"target", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "outlook", "see", "set",
"pending", and other similar terms.
Factors that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to
differ materially include, but are not limited to, matters identified
in the "Material assumptions" section, and the "Risks and
uncertainties" section, in the Company's 2012 Annual MD&A and 2012
Annual Information Form, all of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Please note that forward-looking statements reflect Management's
expectations as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention
or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
except as required by law.
SOURCE MTS Allstream
