How we spent $10,000 giving free internet

I want to share a couple stories about how our Neighbour in Need program has helped people this last year.

A Lost Job

Darlene lost her job unexpectedly after working for a company for over 10 years. It happened suddenly and she could not keep up with basic bills. With stress rising and cash tight, staying connected felt impossible. She reached out to us to let us know she could no longer afford her internet bill because she had not found a suitable new job yet. Neighbour in Need stepped in to cover her internet for three months so she could focus on finding work without worrying about losing access to the things she depended on every day. That breathing room made all the difference, and she is back on her feet now.

A Family at the IWK

The McDonald family had to relocate to Halifax for an undetermined amount of time after their young son became seriously ill and was hospitalized at the IWK. They moved into a hotel and stayed at his bedside the entire time, unable to work and stretched to the limit. After two weeks in the hospital, they were discharged and returned home. With both parents unable to work during those two weeks, they fell behind on bills and became extremely stressed. The program supported them for a couple months, covering their internet and phone bill so they could focus on their son’s recovery instead of falling further behind. We are happy to share their son is now doing well and on the road to a full recovery.

Growing up in Nova Scotia, I saw firsthand how quickly life can change for people. One bad month, one job loss, one unexpected event can send a family into a tailspin. And right now, it feels even tougher out there. Nova Scotia Power rates are climbing, Halifax Water bills are increasing, and property taxes are all going up by double digits. For a lot of folks, it is getting harder to keep up.

East Coasters step up for each other, and that spirit is exactly why we created the Neighbour in Need program at Purple Cow.

We all know times are tough, and we wanted to build something that made a real difference. So we asked the herd to chip in just $2 a month, and Purple Cow matches every donation dollar for dollar. These funds go straight toward helping people stay connected when life gets hard. Since launching the program, and with the herd’s generosity, we have now raised and distributed over $10,000 to folks across the Atlantic Provinces who needed a hand getting back on their hooves.

Why This Matters

Every dollar raised goes directly to covering internet bills for customers facing tough times, as well as supporting vulnerable groups across the Atlantic Provinces like low income parents, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness. We have built the program carefully, with checks in place to make sure the support reaches the people who truly need a lift.

At Purple Cow, we believe being an internet provider in Nova Scotia means being part of the community. And thanks to the herd, we are showing what that looks like in action.

If you would like to join the effort, you can add $2 a month to your Purple Cow account by sending us a message or calling 1-902-800-2660.

Together, we are keeping our neighbours connected. Together, we are making a real difference. That is what being part of the herd means.

Bradley Farquhar
CEO