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The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation’s Signature Gala Returns to Raise Funds to Invest in Youth Education

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As education costs soar, 75 per cent of students face financial barriers to success, with nearly one-third at risk of dropping out

Proceeds from the Together for Tomorrow Gala support the TELUS Student Bursary program, empowering socially-conscious students experiencing financial need to get a post-secondary education

TORONTO , March 31, 2025 /CNW/ – Today, the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation announced the second annual Together for Tomorrow Gala will take place on June 12, 2025. Presented by TELUS, the gala will once again be held at the iconic TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, home of the Royal Conservatory of Music. The event comes at a crucial time when 75 per cent of students find it hard to afford post-secondary education, and nearly one-third consider dropping out due to financial stress. Since launching the bursary in 2023, the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has provided bursaries to more than 1000 students valued at over $4 million, across nine provinces and 93 different schools.

“The remarkable young changemakers in our TELUS Student Bursary community exemplify strength and resilience,” said Nimmi Kanji, Executive Director, TELUS Friendly Future Foundation. “While pursuing their own post-secondary dreams, these extraordinary students continue to create meaningful change in their communities. The Together for Tomorrow Gala raises critical funding to support these future leaders, ensuring they have the resources needed to realize their full potential while continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.”

All proceeds from the Together for Tomorrow Gala will go directly to provide bursaries to deserving, socially-minded post-secondary students through the Foundation’s TELUS Student Bursary. Notably last year, 76 per cent of the TELUS Student Bursaries were awarded to equity-deserving candidates and 50 per cent of the recipients are the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education in Canada. With bursaries up to $5,000, along with wraparound support including TELUS mobility and internet services, mental health support and more, the program helps recipients stay connected and thrive throughout their studies. Several of these young leaders now serve as youth ambassadors on TELUS Community Boards, using their lived experience to guide grant funding decisions for local youth programs.

“When you invest in a student’s education, you’re investing in countless future possibilities,” said Nebiyou Timotewos, York University student, Diana Award and TELUS Student Bursary recipient. “The bursary opened doors I never thought possible, enabling me to pursue my studies while launching high-impact community youth programs. Now that I am a TELUS Community Board member, I’m able to help guide community investments while amplifying youth voices. The program empowers students to become leaders of community change.”

The Together for Tomorrow Gala, supporting student bursaries through the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, will be hosted by television personality Sangita Patel. The evening features an exceptional lineup of Canadian talent, including performances by Arkells, Deborah Cox and Steven Page, alongside culinary excellence from Top Chef Canada’s Mark McEwan. Attendees will experience an extraordinary evening of entertainment and auction experiences, all in support of empowering the next generation of community leaders. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor TELUS, Gala Co-Chairs Jay McCauley and Christi Himmelheber, and the dedicated Gala Committee for making this remarkable event possible.

For more information about sponsorship and partnership opportunities to support youth through the Foundation, please contact Louise Malhotra (lmalhotra@friendlyfuture.com).

About the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation

The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is a Canadian registered charity that believes all youth, regardless of circumstance, deserve an equal opportunity to reach their full potential. By funding more than 500 charities each year that provide education and health programs, many enabled by technology, along with providing educational bursaries, the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation is helping more than two million youth in communities across Canada build skills, confidence and feel a sense of belonging. In 2024 alone, the Foundation provided $11 million in grants to 550+ charitable programs across Canada and bursaries to 500+ post-secondary students in financial need who are committed to making a difference in their communities.

For more information on the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, or to make a donation, please visit friendlyfuture.com. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Louise Malhotra with the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation at lmalhtora@friendlyfuture.com.

About TELUS Corporation

TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a world-leading communications technology company, generating over $20 billion in annual revenue with more than 20 million customer connections through our advanced suite of broadband services for consumers, businesses and the public sector. We are committed to leveraging our technology to enable remarkable human outcomes. TELUS is passionate about putting our customers and communities first, leading the way globally in client service excellence and social capitalism. Our TELUS Health business is enhancing 76 million lives worldwide through innovative preventive medicine and well-being technologies. Our TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods business utilizes digital technologies and data insights to optimize the connection between producers and consumers. Guided by our enduring ‘give where we live’ philosophy, TELUS, our team members and retirees have contributed $1.8 billion in cash, in-kind contributions, time and programs including 2.4 million days of service since 2000, earning us the distinction of the world’s most giving company. For more information, visit telus.com or follow @TELUSNews on X and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Saara Rahikka
TELUS Public Relations
saara.rahikka@telus.com

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact:
Louise Malhotra
TELUS Friendly Future Foundation
lmalhotra@friendlyfuture.com

SOURCE TELUS Communications Inc.

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IdentityIQ Expands Access to Identity Protection and Financial Wellness Tools with New Spanish-Language Experience

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New Spanish-language version brings identity protection, credit monitoring and financial health resources to more than 41 million Spanish-dominant speakers in the U.S.

TEMECULA, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — IdentityIQ, a leading provider of identity theft protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions, today announced the launch of new plans now in Spanish, expanding access to comprehensive identity and credit protection to more than 41 million Spanish-dominant speakers in the United States.

The new Spanish-language experience gives consumers the ability to enroll, access their member dashboard and manage their financial health entirely in Spanish. The launch also supports B2B partners serving Spanish-speaking customers with a localized partner experience.

“Financial protection shouldn’t depend on language,” said Rick Eggleton, chief revenue officer for IDIQ, which operates the IdentityIQ brand. “Our Spanish-language offering gives millions of consumers greater access to the tools they need to protect their identity, credit and financial health.”

The Spanish-language plans include IdentityIQ’s most comprehensive suite of identity protection and financial wellness tools, including credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, identity theft alerts, credit score tracking, optional rent and utility payment reporting, credit education and other financial health resources.

The launch addresses a significant gap in the financial services marketplace, where language barriers can limit access to tools that help consumers monitor their credit, detect potential identity theft and build stronger financial profiles.

“This is more than translating a product,” Eggleton said. “It’s about making identity protection and financial wellness easier to understand, easier to access and more relevant to Spanish-speaking consumers.”

The launch reflects IdentityIQ’s broader commitment to making identity protection and financial wellness more accessible to underserved communities. By offering its core services in Spanish, IdentityIQ is helping remove language barriers that can make it more difficult for consumers to understand and actively manage their credit and financial health.

The Spanish-language launch also expands opportunities for IdentityIQ’s B2B partners to provide identity protection and financial wellness benefits to Spanish-speaking customers and employees.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to understand and take control of their financial wellness,” Eggleton said. “Expanding our premium plan in Spanish is an important step toward making that possible for millions of consumers.”

For more information on IdentityIQ’s Spanish-language plans and its comprehensive identity protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions, visit https://www.identityiq.com.

About IdentityIQ

IdentityIQ®, offered by IDIQ®, is a leading provider of identity theft protection, credit monitoring and financial wellness solutions. IdentityIQ helps consumers monitor and protect their identities, credit and personal information through comprehensive monitoring, alerts and recovery support services.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/identityiq-expands-access-to-identity-protection-and-financial-wellness-tools-with-new-spanish-language-experience-302866626.html

SOURCE IDIQ

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BKF Appoints Andrew Esposito Chief Financial Officer

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People-focused AEC industry veteran appointed to support strategic growth

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BKF, the premier AEC firm in the Western United States, today announced the appointment of Andrew Esposito as Chief Financial Officer, a strategic addition to its executive leadership team as the firm continues to invest in growth, expand its market presence, and pursue new opportunities across the region.

A proven financial and operational leader, Esposito brings extensive experience guiding organizations through periods of expansion while maintaining a strong focus on culture, performance, and long-term value creation. As CFO, Esposito will lead BKF’s financial strategy and operations, helping position the firm for its next chapter of growth while supporting the company’s commitment to employees, clients, and strategic partners.

“Andrew brings a rare combination of financial acumen, operational insight, and people-centered leadership to BKF,” said CEO Darren Riegler. “He understands that the most successful organizations are built on a foundation of trust, shared values, and disciplined growth. His experience and perspective will help us continue expanding our impact, strengthening our partnerships, and creating long-term value for our people and our partners.”

Most recently, Esposito served as CFO at WSP USA, where he had end-to-end responsibility for the finance operations of an approximately $8 billion business. During his tenure, he helped scale the finance organization through a threefold increase in revenue and headcount. He also played a senior role in more than a dozen acquisitions and carve-outs totaling approximately $5 billion in transaction value.

“Strong financial performance and strong organizations are built together,” said Esposito. “From the beginning, I was drawn to BKF’s culture, energy, and strong sense of purpose, as well as its reputation for innovation, client focus, and sustained growth. I’m excited to work alongside the leadership team to build on that momentum, support the firm’s long-term success, and help advance our shared vision of becoming the preeminent infrastructure firm in the Western U.S.”

The appointment comes as BKF continues to execute its growth strategy, building on the successful merger with MNS and acquisition of Lotus Water to expand its capabilities and deliver greater value across the full project lifecycle.

About BKF

For more than 110 years, BKF has partnered with public and private clients to plan, design, and deliver infrastructure projects that strengthens communities throughout the Western United States. With more than 800 people across 20 offices, BKF provides planning, engineering, surveying, program and construction management, and consulting services for transportation, water, government, and land development projects.

Our mission is simple: Do great work, grow a thriving business, and delight our clients. We believe great infrastructure starts with strong relationships, collaboration, and a shared vision for building a better future. Together with our clients, BKF tackles the region’s most complex challenges and creates lasting impact in the communities where we work.

For more information, visit bkf.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bkf-appoints-andrew-esposito-chief-financial-officer-302866631.html

SOURCE BKF

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The World Is Invited: Edison Awards Opens Nominations for Its 40th Anniversary Year

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A Global Icon of Innovation Marks Four Decades — And Calls On Innovators Everywhere to Step Forward

FORT MYERS, Fla., Sept. 1, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Forty years ago, a handful of bold ideas changed how the world lives, works, and moves. Today, the Edison Awards, one of the world’s most recognized names in innovation, throws open its doors for its landmark 40th anniversary, inviting innovators, entrepreneurs, and enterprises on every continent to put their breakthroughs on the world stage.

“We are seeing extraordinary innovation emerge from every region of the world, and our 40th year is a chance to recognize just how far this global community of innovators has brought us and how much further we’ll go together,” said Frank Bonafilia, CEO of the Edison Awards.

Starting September 1, 2026, nominations open for the 2027 Edison Best New Product Awards™. Whether it’s a five-person startup team working out of a garage or a Fortune 500 R&D powerhouse, the invitation is the same: bring the innovation you’re proudest of and let the world see it. Nominations close December 15, 2026, with winners revealed in March 2027.

“Forty years ago, the Edison Awards set out to celebrate the innovators bold enough to reimagine what’s possible and that mission has only grown more urgent, and more global, with every passing year,” said Frank Bonafilia, CEO of the Edison Awards. “This anniversary year is shaping up to be our most exciting yet. We are seeing extraordinary innovation emerge from every region of the world, and our 40th year is a chance to recognize just how far this global community of innovators has brought us and how much further we’ll go together.”

Four Decades of Naming What’s Next

Since 1987, the Edison Awards has celebrated the products and ideas that went on to define entire industries in health, sustainability, mobility, and technology. Forty years in, the program isn’t slowing down: it’s expanding, honoring nominees from startups to global enterprises, from every corner of the map.

Two New Awards Built for a Global Stage

Two new honors join the program: The Global Excellence Award, for the best innovation across five regions North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and Asia-Pacific and The Innovation at Scale Award, honoring standout innovation from Startup/Emerging (under 10 employees) to Global Enterprise (5,000+ employees).

2027 Award Categories

Commercial Technology, Consumer Solutions, Critical Human Infrastructure, Cultural Impact & Education, Energy & Climate Resiliency, Engineering & Robotics, Health, Medical & Biotech, Lifestyle, Entertainment & Design, Manufacturing & Logistics, Materials Science, Public Safety, Security & Digital Integrity, Software Solutions, Transportation, Aerospace & Flight, and Water, Food & Agriculture.

The Call Is Open — Here’s How to Answer It

Early Bird: September 1 – October 15, 2026. General: October 16 – December 15, 2026.

Eligible products launched January 2025–January 2027, judged on Concept, Value, and Impact.

Be counted among them. Submit your nomination at www.edisonawards.com.

About The Edison Awards: Established in 1987, the Edison Best New Product Awards™ honor excellence in product and service innovation transforming how we live, work, and play. Inspired by Thomas Edison’s legacy, the program recognizes game-changing solutions worldwide, offering global recognition, credibility, and connections that drive growth.

Media Contact

Frank Bonafilia, Edison Awards, 1 7732305744, fbonafilia@edisonawards.com, https://edisonawards.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-world-is-invited-edison-awards-opens-nominations-for-its-40th-anniversary-year-302864733.html

SOURCE Edison Awards

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