VANCOUVER — Telus announced today the launch of its new Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk program, which provides free smartphones and data plans to Indigenous women who are at risk or are surviving violence, says a press release.
The program was developed in partnership and consultation with the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA), BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), Prince George Native Friendship Centre (PGNFC) and Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of British Columbia (NCCABC).
Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk “gives women a critical lifeline to timely emergency services, reliable access to virtual healthcare and wellness resources, and the ability to stay connected to their friends, family, and support networks,” the press release says.
With the support of its program partners, Telus has started distributing smartphones and plans to support at-risk Indigenous women in B.C. and Alberta.
The company says it is committed to supporting 1,200 Indigenous women in the two provinces and it plans to partner with additional Indigenous-led organizations across Canada to expand the reach and impact of the program through 2022.
“Telus is committed to doing our part to respond to the 231 Calls for Justice, specifically Call for Justice 15, by leveraging our technology to support Indigenous-led organizations and Indigenous-led solutions to advancing Reconciliation,” said Tony Geheran, executive vice-president and chief customer officer at Telus, in the press release.
“Having a cellular device and reliable network is a vital lifeline to Indigenous women and girls at risk to get access to critical services and resources they need for their health, safety, and wellness,” Geheran said.
“ANFCA is thankful for the developing partnership between Telus and the six Alberta Friendship Centres taking part in piloting the Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk program,” said Joanne Mason, executive director of ANFCA.
“Reliable cellular communication will help ensure Indigenous women and girls have access to services to support their safety and wellbeing,” said Leslie Varley, executive director of BCAAFC.
“This is an important step towards increasing our capacity to provide culturally safe and inclusive anti-violence services delivered by and for Indigenous people,” Varley said.
“Our clients have expressed sincere appreciation when they receive a smartphone,” said Darryl Shackelly, executive director of NCCABC. “Never expecting such assistance, for them this service is an immediate solution to the extreme situation they are facing.”
The Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk program is part of the Telus Connecting for Good portfolio of programs, which includes Mobility for Good for youth transitioning from foster care, which provides a free smartphone and fully subsidized 3 GB data plan for two years, and Mobility for Good for Seniors, which offers a subsidized mobility plan and discounted smartphone to low-income seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Last week, Telus announced its Reconciliation Commitment, which formalizes the company’s commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
For more on the Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk program, please click here.
