Connectivity, an essential digital lifeline for Atlantic
MONCTON, New Brunswick, June 09, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Rogers today announced partnerships with women’s shelters in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, providing connectivity to support our most vulnerable citizens during this global health crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed urgent needs among at-risk communities across Canada, including women and children who may face the reality of being at home with an abusive family member.
“At Rogers, we’re committed to finding ways to help provide a vital digital lifeline and essential supports to Atlantic Canadians who need it most, including women victims of family violence,” said said Matt MacLellan, president of the Atlantic region, Rogers Communications. “Whether it’s calling emergency services, accessing help or staying in touch with loved ones, donations are aimed at helping vulnerable women meet their immediate and crisis needs. . “
Rogers provides free devices as well as free six-month voice and data plans to women’s shelters, including Crossroads for women in Moncton, Prince Edward Island Rape and Sexual Assault Center and Anderson House in Charlottetown, Bryony House in Halifax, Iris Kirby House in St. John’s, Chief Mary Bernard Memorial Shelter on Lennox Island, PEI, and Beauséjour Family Crisis Resource Center in Shediac.
“Many abusers control the phone at home as a power source and prevent their spouse from using it unless they are in the room with them,” said Michelle Greene, executive director of Iris Kirby House. “Sometimes partners have tracking devices on the phones so a woman can be trapped and unable to escape safely. These Rogers phones are a lifeline, allowing them to call for help with discretion.
“We have clients who live in poverty, clients with bad credit or clients whose abusive partner broke their phone and they have no way to get a new one,” said Danya O’Malley, PEI Family Violence Prevention Services Inc. “We know a hallmark of violence is isolation, and it’s no surprise that someone could be denied their only way to reach out. Being able to empower someone to reach our crisis line or outreach workers can make the difference between being able to cope or not. We are very grateful for this generous donation.
“When the storm of domestic violence tore your home and everything you completely depend on, you are completely disconnected from any support and you are totally vulnerable,” said Chantal Poirier, Interim Executive Director of Crossroads for Women in Moncton. “In this time of international crisis, sudden social isolation and stress has created an increase in violence in the home, so for Rogers to step in and ensure that these women, and the children who depend on them, benefit. of a crucial link. to the online world means more than you can imagine. ”
If you are a woman living in a hotbed of violence or know someone who is, you can call the 24/7 emergency line at your local shelter for advice and support. Find your local shelter and crisis line on www.sheltersafe.ca.
Rogers is also partnering with the Halifax Local of Big Brothers Big Sisters, providing phones with six months of free service to ensure the families and “little ones” who depend on this essential connection get the digital tools and services they need. Fido provides to the Halifax Local Pflag Canada with free tablets and wireless data to enable virtual peer support meetings in support of the LGBTQ2S community.
A new awareness video About Rogers’ partnership with Women’s Shelters Canada will be featured at all Rogers Sports & Media properties, reaching millions of Canadians. To learn more about all of the ways Rogers is helping Canadians navigate this critical time, please visit here.
About Rogers
Rogers is a proud Canadian company dedicated to making more possible for Canadians every day. Our founder, Ted Rogers, purchased his first radio station, CHFI, in 1960. We have grown into a leading technology and media company that strives to provide the best in wireless, residential, sports and entertainment services. media to Canadians and Canadian businesses. Our shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI). If you want to know more about us, visit about.rogers.com.
For more information:
Rogers Communications, [email protected], 1-844-226-1338