What does this sponsorship mean to the Odyssium?
This investment will help to maintain, upgrade, and develop exhibits and
programs. Maintaining and upgrading exhibits are very expensive. Without
continual investment to help us deliver new and exciting programming to
keep our visitors engaged, we would quickly become outdated. In order
for us to maintain our position as an important regional attraction and
as a science and technology centre of note, we have to stay on the
leading edge of education and entertainment.
Why TELUS?
Their commitment to this region is steadfast. Their focus on science and
technology is obvious, given the business that they're in. Their
discussions and negotiations with us demonstrated that we had the same
goals in mind to encourage young people to be innovative thinkers, and
to offer an environment that fosters creativity and curiosity. Plus we
both wanted to put our facility on the map in an even more significant
way.
Aren't you sorry to be losing your new identity
after such a short time?
We loved being the Odyssium, and we will love being TELUS World of
Science too. Our brand is bigger than our name, and it is based on the
experience of coming here - the excitement, the excellence, the curious
and engaging staff, the programming that makes finding out fun - and the
sheer delight in learning. When visitors come here, they enter a world
that is truly about the magic and fun of learning new things.
Does this mean that you won't have to fundraise any
more?
No. This generous investment by TELUS represents about 5% of our target
operating budget., so we will still require support from the community.
Our programs to raise awareness, funds and commitment to the centre will
remain as focused as before. In fact, this sponsorship raises the bar in
terms of what we want to accomplish, and what our ambitions will be.
Are you now a part of TELUS?
TELUS World of Science, just like the Odyssium in the past, will be
operated by the Edmonton Space & Science Foundation, a non-profit
organization, and will be led by the same people with the same
philosophy of delighting our visitors. This relationship represents a
sponsorship with a corporation that shares our vision of becoming a
world-class science centre. TELUS's investment helps us to further
develop our guiding principle of creating opportunities to learn about,
and be entertained by, science and technology. It also allows us to
remain true to our mandate of being accessible to everyone.
What will you do with the TELUS money?
We will do more of what we currently do - and we will do it to an even
higher standard of excellence. Our ultimate aim is to get more and more
people of all ages excited about science and technology, and the TELUS
investment will help us to achieve that goal. With this investment, the
future will see us delivering improved science and technology offerings
to young and old alike. We will achieve our ambition of being a premier
centre for science and technology learning and entertainment.
How does the TELUS sponsorship affect funding from
the City?
The TELUS investment complements other investments that we receive. The
TELUS contribution is significant in that it helps us immensely to
improve what we currently offer: a broad-based science centre that
inspires and motivates people to learn about, and contribute to, science
and technology advances that strengthen themselves, their families, and
their community. The Edmonton Space & Science Foundation receives
24% of its operating budget from the City of Edmonton.
What will change at the Centre once the facility
becomes TELUS World of Science?
TELUS World of Science Edmonton will be operated by the same
people and with the same philosophy it has now. You will notice the
TELUS World of Science logo around the facility but we will remain a
non-profit, non-corporate facility making science accessible to
everyone.
Will my passes, coupons, Gift Certificates and
Membership still be valid?
Yes, all passes, coupons, Gift Certificates and Memberships
for the Odyssium are valid at the TELUS World of Science.
Will membership prices change? Will admission
prices change?
Not at this time.
Does my reciprocal admission to other science
centers with my membership remain the same?
Yes. Our members can still enjoy reduced admission at over
230 facilities around the world.
Do I need to get a new membership card?
Not at this time. When you renew your membership, you will be
issued a new card at that time.
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