TORONTO – Rogers Communications Inc. today announced that high school students from 15 cities across Canada collected over 18,500 used wireless devices as part of the inaugural Rogers Phones-for-Food High School Challenge. 45 high schools in cities from coast to coast entered the challenge to help reduce e-waste and help fund local food banks by collecting as many used wireless devices as possible over a five week period.
"These are inspiring results from students across the country," said Rob Bruce, president, Rogers Wireless Inc. "They have proven they can make a big difference in our communities by making a positive impact at our food banks and on our environment." The award-winning Phones-for-Food program began in 2003 as an initiative by the Canadian Association of Food Banks (CAFB) to alleviate hunger and divert waste from landfill sites. In addition to money raised through the CAFB’s thINK FOOD program, almost $500,000 has been generated for food banks across the country to date.
One wireless device, depending on its age and condition, can be worth up to $5 when donated, which is the equivalent to a jar of peanut butter, one carton of milk or even an entire meal. "The creativity and passion of students right across Canada was overwhelming throughout the Rogers Phones-for-Food High School Challenge," said Katharine Schmidt, executive director of the CAFB. "Support to the food bank community through this effort is very much appreciated."
More than 720,000 Canadians rely on food banks each month and 51% of households receiving food assistance are families with at least one child. Between 1997 and 2007, the number of people using food banks increased by 8.4%. Rogers awarded the winning schools in each city $3,000 for the graduating class’s commencement ceremonies. Second place and third place schools in each city were awarded $1,250 and $750, respectively. All participating schools will receive an XpressMusic phone from Nokia – one phone per school – to use for their graduation fundraising initiatives.
