Stock Symbol: MBT
WINNIPEG, Dec. 10, 2014 /CNW/ - MTS employees swapped out their work attire for Santa hats this past week, heading out into the community to award $25,000 to five charities that each work to improve the lives of children and youth from across Manitoba. A company-wide vote coinciding with MTS's annual employee giving campaign, and aligned with Future First — MTS's community investment program — resulted in these five organizations getting an early gift this holiday season:
"Our employees really embrace the giving spirit of the season," said CEO Pierre Blouin. "MTS Future First is all about investing in the future of Manitoba, and these gifts will enable some amazing charities to help children across the province reach their full potential."
MTS employees voted on which charities they wanted to support, and had the chance to visit the organizations in person. Employees got into the holiday spirit, dropping off gift-wrapped cheques before taking a tour and learning more about the work being done at each organization.
"Getting the chance to help present the MTS Future First cheque to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba was so rewarding," said MTS employee, Mac Balacano. "I love how our company supports organizations in the community that help youth in Manitoba, and that we're finding ways for our employees to be part of the whole process."
The final cheque presentation, on December 9th to Special Olympics Manitoba, coincided with MTS Future First's first birthday. In its first year the new MTS community investment program contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to youth-serving initiatives throughout Manitoba, helping to aid in the advancement of Manitoba youth and develop the future of the province.
About MTS Future First
MTS Future First: Connecting Today's Youth to Tomorrow is a multi-faceted community investment program that includes sponsorships, grants, donations, scholarships, employee volunteerism and fundraising programs to help in the advancement of Manitoba youth and reflects MTS's philosophy of investing and giving back to our community. The program articulates a clear vision for MTS's ongoing contribution to a thriving economy fueled by a vibrant, diverse workforce – one nurtured in healthy communities that provide opportunity and optimism for our young people. In 2013, MTS donated more than 1% of its pre-tax profits to charitable purposes in Manitoba. For more information about Future First, please visit www.mts.ca/futurefirst, and follow us @MTSFutureFirst.
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 MTS's community investment program 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 of the Company's 2013 Annual, and 2013 Annual Information Form, both 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 Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.
Image with caption: "MTS employees present gifts of $25,000 each to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, Ronald McDonald House Manitoba, the Children's Rehabilitation Foundation of Manitoba, Special Olympics Manitoba and the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (Left to right, top to bottom). (CNW Group/Manitoba Telecom Services Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141210_C6711_PHOTO_EN_9291.jpg
Media: Erin Bartlett, Community Investment & Communications Officer, 204-941-7378, erin.bartlett@mts.caCopyright CNW Group 2014