Published: January 2025
Team Telesat is back and training for Ottawa — ready to make a significant contribution to the Campaign to Create Tomorrow and continue supporting the dynamic movement that is reshaping the future of healthcare.
Founded in 1969, Telesat is a Canadian company delivering global satellite services. As a key player in enhancing communications infrastructure across urban and remote areas, Telesat is committed to making a difference. This May, employees are stepping away from technology to make an impact — by using their steps to give back.
We’ve got history
Telesat has been a committed corporate donor to The Ottawa Hospital since 1983, playing a vital role in supporting medical research and patient care across the region.
From 2010 to 2019, the company contributed through a workplace campaign, supporting initiatives like cancer research and regenerative medicine. Telesat also supported various fundraising events, including a former cycling event called THE RIDE and Race Weekend, and was a long-time sponsor of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation Gala. Their ongoing corporate philanthropy has significantly impacted the hospital’s work in delivering the very best patient care and groundbreaking research and is making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who rely on The Ottawa Hospital’s specialized care.
In 2020, amidst the global pandemic, Telesat swiftly adapted to keep its fundraising momentum strong. With race weekend going virtual, they strongly promoted the Telesat fundraising page for our hospital and committed to matching donations up to $10,000. From 2020 to 2024, Telesat launched ‘Three Step Challenges’ for Ottawa employees, encouraging healthy lifestyles while supporting The Ottawa Hospital. The initiative raised nearly $10,000 in donations, demonstrating Telesat’s ongoing commitment to giving back.
Telesat’s commitment has been instrumental in enabling our hospital to stay at the forefront of medical advancements and provide world-class care to patients. Telesat’s decades of contributions demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes and ensuring the Ottawa region has access to cutting-edge medical care and services.
Team Telesat is back
Spearheaded by team captain Amber Fifer, employees at Telesat are enthusiastically participating in a variety of race weekend events, tackling multiple distances to support The Ottawa Hospital. An avid runner herself, Amber had no idea that her own passion would spark interest among her co-workers and revive Team Telesat.
“I participated in my first Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend last year. It was an important goal I set for myself, to push myself past what I thought I could do. As soon as it was over, I knew I would be signing up again for this year,” Amber explains. “I’m looking forward to sharing this experience with my work colleagues. It is a great opportunity for Telesat employees to come together — embodying our core values of collaboration and determination.”
“Past, present and future employees have personally experienced, or have a loved one who has benefitted from the care provided by The Ottawa Hospital. This personal connection makes the cause meaningful to our team.”
— Amber Fifer
Whether it’s the 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon, Telesat’s team members are embracing the challenge, no matter their experience level. From 13-time marathoners to first-time participants, employees can take part in a distance that suits their abilities, fostering an inclusive nature for their team and in the office. The diversity in participation ignites team spirit, with employees uniting to support a shared cause while challenging their personal limits.
“Telesat’s headquarters and many of its staff has been part of the Ottawa community for over 55 years. Past, present and future employees have personally experienced, or have a loved one who has benefitted from the care provided by The Ottawa Hospital. This personal connection makes the cause meaningful to our team,” says Amber.
Setting an example in the community
With an ambitious fundraising goal of $5,000, Telesat is committed to not only reaching this target, but also setting a powerful example within the Ottawa business community.
“It’s important for all organizations to get involved with the community,” says Amber. “It helps to foster stronger connections between the organization, employees, and community. Telesat values teamwork, social responsibility, and community engagement. Fundraising aligns with those values.”
