Pioneers Adapt Their Work to Help Out During COVID-19y

You can always count on the SaskTel Pioneers to be there for Saskatchewan!

These days, as the world finds its way through the challenges of COVID-19, the Pioneers continue to work diligently for people and organizations in the communities we serve.

“We’re working as hard as ever but have adjusted and adapted what we’re doing to benefit people during this pandemic,” said Pioneer Manager Darrell Liebrecht. “The creation of masks is an example of this.”

The use of masks has been found to be an important way of limiting the spread of COVID-19. To date, almost 3,000 masks have been created by Pioneers and donated to places like the Grace Within Care Community and the Pasqua Hospital Day Surgery Unit in Regina and various care homes and transition houses across the province.

Besides being available for the community, SaskTel employees could also pick a mask up for a donation of their choice, with the proceeds going to a provincial charity. The sale of masks to employees has raised almost $2000.

The Pioneers have also made and distributed 895 mask extenders to go along with the masks they donated. Mask extenders attach to mask straps to provide a more custom and comfortable fit while alleviating painful rubbing and pressure around the ears.

Through the Computers for Schools program, the Pioneers have also donated 606 laptops, iPads and mobile devices to long term care facilities and schools. This allows residents to reach out to people who are important to them, while giving peace of mind to those who are not able to visit the residents but can still contact them.

The program has also provided desktop computers to schools for distribution to students who do not have any other device available that can be used for distance learning during the pandemic. The Pioneers have also made cash donations totaling $66,782.00 to a number of Saskatchewan charitable groups. Recipients included the Weyburn and Regina Food Banks, the Prince Albert SPCA and the Saskatoon Interval House. The funds for these donations came directly from money raised by the Pioneers through various fundraisers.

With all this activity, the Pioneers have clearly been up to the challenge created by the pandemic. “Through all the projects we’ve undertaken in this challenging time, our members have continued to give their time selflessly,” said Darrell. “We’re at 1,084 volunteer hours today (and counting).”

“It speaks to the giving nature of our company and of the Pioneers that our members have reached out to our communities in a time like this,” said Darrell. “It’s something we can all be proud of!”