Telus Victoria held its annual Celebration of Giving  event Nov. 7, recognizing more than 50 organizations and people for their charitable efforts in the community.

The telecommunications company announced that, with the help of its team members, it will contribute more than $1.5 million to Victoria community groups this year through a number of outlets, including the Telus Victoria Community Board, sponsorships, corporate donations and the Team Telus Cares Charitable Giving program.

In addition, the David Foster Foundation, which is based in Victoria, was presented with a $650,000 cheque to support that organization's mission of providing support to the families of children who need organ donations. The company pledged a further $500,000 for next year.

"We have such a need, because organ donor awareness has to be brought to the forefront, and they're the champion of this," said Mike Ravenhill, CEO of the David Foster Foundation. "On average it costs around $10,000 to sponsor a family. This is huge."

Among the other local groups that will benefit from the support are the Rock Solid Foundation's WITS program, the Canadian Red Cross Society's Beyond the Hurt program, and the Canadian Heritage Arts Society's Canadian College of Performing Arts bursary program.

"The Telus team continues their commitment to give where they live and pledged to donate even more this year because they recognize the importance of giving is greater than ever in our community," said Mel Cooper, chair of the Telus Victoria Community Board.