TelCare has been an important part of SaskTel since 1950, when SaskTel was known as Saskatchewan Government Telephones.

How could the employees from those days possibly have imagined that in 2025, the fund they created that gives a helping hand to people in our communities would still be thriving?

SaskTel TelCare is a volunteer organization of SaskTel employees who contribute donations through an automatic payroll deduction. SaskTel then donates 50 cents for each dollar contributed by employees. Over the years, TelCare has assisted all kinds of charities and non-profit organizations in districts across Saskatchewan.

There were nearly 600 SaskTel employees across nine districts in the province donating to the fund this past year, raising $125,900. When combined with SaskTel's commitment to match 50 per cent for each dollar contributed by employees through TelCare, a total of $188,853 was donated to 47 Charitable and non-profit organizations operating in Saskatchewan.

One of the organizations that received recent TelCare funding is the Delisle Elementary School Playground Project.

The primary goal for this group is to ensure a space where everyone can access the structure. A playground where limitations are forgotten, and differences are celebrated. A place where everyone is welcome to come play, watch, relax, enjoy nature and learn.

“Our playground is old and our plan is to make it fully accessible, including the placement of rubber paving to replace the sand to make it safer,” said Jesse Reis, Principal of the Delisle Elementary School. “While we are making our playground better, we are also improving our community overall, which is very important.”

“The TelCare contributions from SaskTel are huge for us and we are very appreciative. This type of thoughtfulness speaks to the kind of world I want to live in. Giving back as SaskTel and its employees have done with TelCare helps to make the world a better place.”

Devin Hootz is the Early Years Facilitator for the Society for the Involvement of Good Neighbours (SIGN) in Yorkton, another TelCare funds recipient.

“We offer a safe gathering space for families, with a focus on children from 0 – 5 years of age,” said Devin Hootz, Early Years Facilitator. “As a non-profit we depend on the generosity of people. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the support of organizations like SaskTel and your TelCare program. We are extremely appreciative for your contributions!”

In Nipawin, another TelCare recipient is doing incredible things.

“We shop for groceries and then make breakfast every day for 70 students from two elementary schools,” said Shauna Grassing, Treasurer for Nipawin Nutrition for Kids. “So many of the kids come to school hungry, and this provides a caring atmosphere for some breakfast. There’s lots of baking happening and all the food is fresh.”

“As we all know, the price of groceries has risen astronomically, so receiving funds is crucial. Thank you to everyone who contributes to TelCare. The smiles on the children’s faces makes it all worthwhile!”

For more information on TelCare please visit sasktel.com/cares.