MONCTON and EDMONTON– Rogers Communications today announced partnerships with women’s shelters in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg, which will see the company provide connectivity to support vulnerable Canadians during the ongoing Covid-19 health crisis.
“Whether calling emergency services, accessing support, or staying in touch with loved ones, the donations are aimed at helping vulnerable women with their immediate and crisis needs,” said Matt MacLellan, president of Rogers’ Atlantic region, in a company press release.
“At Rogers, we are committed to finding ways to help in our communities by providing an essential digital lifeline and critical supports for Canadians who need it the most,” added Larry Goerzen, president of Rogers’ Alberta and Prairies region.
The company is providing complimentary devices along with six months free voice and data plans to women’s shelters including Crossroads for Women in Moncton, Prince Edward Island Rape and Sexual Assault Centre and Anderson House in Charlottetown, Bryony House in Halifax, Iris Kirby House in St. John’s, Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Shelter on Lennox Island, P.E.I., Beausejour Family Crisis Resource Centre in Shediac, Brenda Strafford Centre in Calgary, WIN House and Lurana Shelter Society in Edmonton, Saskatoon Interval House, Ikwe Widdjiitiwin, and Alpha House Project in Winnipeg.
“Many abusers control the phone at home as a source of power and prevent their spouse from using it unless in the room with them,” said Michelle Greene, executive director, Iris Kirby House. “Sometimes partners have tracking devices on the phones so a woman could be trapped and unable to escape safely. These phones from Rogers provide a lifeline, allowing them to discreetly reach out for help.”
“These phones have the potential to save lives, to connect women with emergency services, resources, counselling and to stay connected with family and positive supports. The women we work with have high safety concerns and these phones have become their source of safety allowing them to communicate regardless of any economical or safety barriers they face,” added Kim Fontaine, executive director, Ikwe Widdjiitiwin Inc.
“Rogers Communications not only rose to the call, they thought beyond our immediate need and expectation, providing lines of communication to help us support those suffering at the hands of and helping shine a light on domestic violence,” said Tess Gordey, executive director WIN House.
Rogers is also partnering with the Halifax and Calgary chapters of Big Brothers Big Sisters, providing phones with six months of free service to ensure the families and “Littles” who rely on this critical connection get the digital tools and service they need. Fido is providing local chapters of Pflag Canada in Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg with tablets and free wireless data to enable virtual peer-to-peer support meetings in support of the LGBTQ2S community.
If you’re a woman living in an abusive home, or you know someone who is, you can call your local shelter’s 24/7 crisis line for advice and support. Your local shelter and their crisis lines can he found at www.sheltersafe.ca.
Please click here to see all Rogers is doing to help during the Covid-19 crisis.
