TORONTO — Telus Communications announced today the launch of its Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk program in Ontario, in partnership with Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto (NWRCT) and Native Child and Family Services of Toronto (NCFST).
Through the program, which is already available in B.C. and Alberta, Telus provides “free smartphones and fully subsidized talk, text and data plans to Indigenous women, girls or gender diverse people, serving as a critical lifeline to Indigenous-led services, wellness resources, and their support networks,” explains a press release.
With Telus’ support, NWRCT and NCFST have started to distribute smartphones and wireless plans to Indigenous women in Ontario who are at risk of, or surviving, violence, the release says.
“Having a cellular device and reliable network is a vital lifeline, ensuring no matter where you live or socio-economic status, you can always access critical health, safety and wellness services,” said Jill Schnarr, chief social innovation officer at Telus, in the release.
“The expansion of Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk to Ontario is part of our ongoing commitment to be a valued partner in advancing Reconciliation and responding to the 231 Calls for Justice, specifically Justice 15 to support and promote Indigenous women’s health, safety and wellness,” she added.
“Leveraging our world-leading technology for good, we are proud to partner with Indigenous-led organizations that are helping deliver accessible services to prevent and end violence, and offering Indigenous women and girls in need a path to independence, enabling them to make safe choices for themselves and their families.”
“Low-barrier access to smartphones supports wellness for Indigenous women, both as a critical safety measure and also a means of maintaining connection with family and community,” said Melissa Hamonic, director of holistic services at NCFST. “We are grateful to walk with the Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto (NWRCT) alongside TELUS as they continue to walk a path of truth and reconciliation.”
“We are honoured to work with TELUS on this initiative to support learnings on reconciliation and provide essential connection tools for women of the community,” said Pamela Hart, executive director of NWRCT. “Through the pandemic and continuously, the community faces barriers, disconnection and through provision of devices, we can maintain interactions. It is more than a phone or device, it’s connection to community, learning, culture and sometimes, a lifeline.”
Since the launch of the Mobility for Good for Indigenous Women at Risk program in October 2021, Telus and their partners in B.C. and Alberta have supported almost 1,000 Indigenous women, according to the release.
“TELUS plans to partner with additional Indigenous-led organizations across Canada to further expand the reach and impact of this program into the future,” the release says.
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