REGINA – SaskTel, through its “Phones for a Fresh Start” cellular recycling program, has partnered with the Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS) to provide cell phones and pre-paid cards to 19 women’s shelters in the province.
Since its inception in 2009, the telco’s program has collected 46,000 cell phones. Used wireless devices are collected at SaskTel stores and participating dealers across the province and the proceeds are used to aid victims of domestic abuse.
“Women fleeing abusive situations often leave with nothing,” said Don McMorris, Minister responsible for SaskTel, in a release. “Having a cell phone can mean so much. It can keep them in contact with invaluable family support or give them access to help in an emergency situation. SaskTel and the Government of Saskatchewan are proud to offer help to women in crisis when they need it most.”
SaskTel has donated 235 phones to women’s shelters in 2012 including 80 phones in Regina, five in Melfort, 20 in Yorkton, 30 in Moose Jaw, 10 in Estevan, 10 in Weyburn, 10 in Carlyle, 15 in Saskatoon, 10 in Meadow Lake and 15 in La Ronge.
A recent promotion nearly tripled the average number of monthly donations of phones with more than 2,400 collected from May 8 to June 15. Customers were given a $50 wireless bill credit if they donated a used wireless device and purchased an eligible device on a three-year voice and data contract.
The Phones for a Fresh Start program will accept any type of hand-held wireless device, whether it is working or not. SaskTel hopes to reach 50,000 wireless devices collected before year end. Donations are accepted at SaskTel’s 11 stores or at participating dealers, or sent via Priority Post Courier. Canada Post will ship it to SaskTel at no charge.
