TELUS survey shows 80% of Canadians feel happier after watching animal videos online

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New video playlist featuring TELUS’ iconic critters helps bring comfort and delight to Canadians year-round

Feel good, do good: For every view of the Critter Comforts video on YouTube, TELUS will donate $1, up to $100,000, to charities supporting service animals, wildlife rehabilitation and animal therapy

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — New survey data from TELUS reveals that, 80 per cent of Canadians feel happier after watching animal videos online and 63 per cent of respondents said that their mood improved after watching animal content online. The study also found that half of respondents prefer watching animal content online over other types of media. TELUS, known globally for its iconic brand featuring both nature and animals, is uniquely positioned to help bring Canadians joy by giving them more of the content they crave through its Critter Comforts video playlist on YouTube and Optik TV.

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Similar to the fireplace channel and calming musical playlists, the video playlist on YouTube dubbed “Critter Comforts” is designed to boost people’s well-being and bring viewers a combination of comfort and joy featuring TELUS’ iconic critters who Canadians have come to know and love.

Watching the playlist won’t just help viewers feel good, it will also do good for animals and the charities that support them: for every view of the Critter Comforts playlist on YouTube, TELUS will give $1, up to $100,000, through the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, to charities that support service animals, wildlife rehabilitation and animal therapy across the country.

“As a purpose-driven organization we are committed to using our technology, resources and compassion to help make the world a better place – our brand and marketing efforts are no exception. For the last two decades we have strategically built our brand to become one of the most trusted and iconic brands in Canada – centered around our beloved critters, world-leading technology and commitment to positive social change,” says Jill Schnarr, Chief Communications and Brand Officer. “With the launch of our Critter Comforts playlist, we have the unique ability to leverage our leading brand iconography to help benefit the health and well-being of Canadians and the animals that we love.”

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Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a surge in demand for pets. The TELUS survey found that 70 per cent of pet owners were motivated to get a pet to help with their anxiety, depression, help battle loneliness, or reduce stress levels.

“During the course of my career, I’ve experienced first-hand the power of human animal interactions and the effects that companion and therapy animals’ have had on my patients’ well-being, in fact, research demonstrates that those who engage in meaningful interactions with a live animal reported higher levels of daily contentment,” said Dr. Aubrey Fine, professor emeritus and psychologist specializing in human animal interactions and animal-assisted therapy. “Research points out that even without direct access to animals or pets, people can attain therapeutic benefits simply by viewing animals on screen or on social media. TELUS Critter Comforts playlist provides a simple and convenient alternative for Canadians to enjoy and benefit from the positive impact animals have on our daily lives.”

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TELUS Critter Comforts video playlist is now available on YouTube and available on Optik TV, on channel 147 for TELUS customers in B.C. and Alberta and channel 492 in Quebec, starting February 21, 2023.

TELUS also has pet parents covered with TELUS Health MyPet, a virtual veterinary care platform where qualified local veterinarians provide dog and cat care for a range of health issues through an easy-to-use smartphone app. Launched in B.C. and rolling out to more provinces throughout the year, this platform is free to download on iOS and Android devices.

To learn more about TELUS’ commitment to social purpose and giving back visit telus.com/socialimpact.

About TELUS
TELUS (TSX: T, NYSE: TU) is a dynamic, world-leading communications technology company with $18 billion in annual revenue and 18 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video, and security. Our social purpose is to leverage our global-leading technology and compassion to drive social change and enable remarkable human outcomes. Our longstanding commitment to putting our customers first fuels every aspect of our business, making us a distinct leader in customer service excellence and loyalty. The numerous, sustained accolades TELUS has earned over the years from independent, industry-leading network insight firms showcase the strength and speed of TELUS’ global-leading networks, reinforcing our commitment to provide Canadians with access to superior technology that connects us to the people, resources and information that make our lives better.

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Operating in 30 countries around the world, TELUS International (TSX and NYSE: TIXT) is a leading digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, including AI and content moderation, for global and disruptive brands across high-growth industry verticals, including tech and games, communications and media and eCommerce and fintech.

TELUS Health is a global healthcare leader, which provides employee and family preventative healthcare and wellness solutions. Our TELUS team, along with our 100,000 health professionals, are leveraging the combination of TELUS’ strong digital and data analytics capabilities with our unsurpassed client service to dramatically improve remedial, preventative and mental health outcomes covering 68 million lives, and growing, around the world. As the largest provider of digital solutions and digital insights of its kind, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods enables efficient and sustainable production from seed to store, helping improve the safety and quality of food and other goods in a way that is traceable to end consumers.

Driven by our determination and vision to connect all citizens for good, our deeply meaningful and enduring philosophy to give where we live has inspired TELUS and our team to contribute $1.5 billion, including 2 million days of service since 2000. This unprecedented generosity and unparalleled volunteerism have made TELUS the most giving company in the world. Together, let’s make the future friendly.

For more information about TELUS, please visit telus.com, follow us at @TELUSNews on Twitter and @Darren_Entwistle on Instagram.