Digital Lifelines for B.C. Women in Crisis: Rogers Expands Phone Program to Women’s Shelters and Transition Houses Across ...
April 26 2021 - 7:00AM
Rogers Communications today announced it has expanded its phone and
plan program to connect more British Columbia women and their
children with digital lifelines and support to escape violence and
abuse. Rogers has increased its support from last year, by donating
phones and plans to 56 B.C. women’s shelters and transition houses
in Rogers wireless coverage areas during this third wave of the
pandemic. As the severity and frequency of domestic violence and
demand for safe shelter space continues to rise following initial
pandemic lockdowns a year ago, Rogers is expanding its efforts to
drive awareness and safe connectivity to support the most
vulnerable, including the recently announced network expansion
along British Columbia’s Highway of Tears to enable more safe
connectivity.
Last spring, at the start of the pandemic, Rogers launched a
national program with Women’s Shelters Canada to provide hundreds
of phones and plans to more than 100 shelters and transition
houses, including those across British Columbia, in addition to
using the reach of its platforms and channels to help increase
awareness of the domestic violence crisis. With growing waitlists
for women’s shelters and transition houses, frontline crisis
workers say these devices will continue to save women’s lives by
keeping them safely connected to critical resources, particularly
during lockdowns. The phone donation program is provided in
collaboration with Motorola and LG.
Today’s announcement includes support for women’s shelters in
Prince George, Squamish, Kelowna, Trail, Kamloops, Castlegar,
Vancouver, Chilliwack, Hope, Surrey, Richmond, Abbotsford, Mission,
Burnaby, Tri Cities, Maple Ridge, Campbell River, Port Alberni,
Sooke, and Victoria.
Access to devices, plans, and network coverage is vitally
important, now more than ever. Rogers recently announced it is
expanding wireless network coverage, including 5G, in British
Columbia to close gaps along two key corridors, including Highway
14 and Highway 16, known as the Highway of Tears. For decades, this
highway has been the tragic location of many missing and murdered
women, particularly Indigenous women, who were unable to call for
help due to coverage gaps. By the time construction of these new
towers is complete along Highway 16 late next year, the project
will provide more than 250 km of cellular highway coverage between
Prince George and Prince Rupert, improving safety for everyone,
including women whose lives may depend on being able to make an
emergency call.
As part of its efforts to ensure access to connectivity, Rogers
also recently announced an expansion of its low-cost high-speed
Internet program Connected for Success to hundreds of thousands of
Canadians in its Internet coverage area in Ontario, New Brunswick
and Newfoundland. Those receiving income or disability support, the
maximum childcare benefit, residents of RGI housing or seniors
receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement are eligible for the
program. The Rogers team is excited about future plans in Western
Canada, including the opportunity to expand Connected for Success
nationally to all communities where the company offers Internet
service.
Quotes:
“This dual storm of domestic violence and the pandemic has led
to many vulnerable women being trapped with their abuser 24/7,
limiting their ability to safely call for emergency resources to
help them escape with their children. By providing phones and plans
to women, helping amplify voices of those on the frontlines, and
investing to improve safety along B.C. highways, we are committed
to helping those most in need.”- Rick Sellers, President of
British Columbia Region, Rogers
“During the pandemic, transition houses across BC report that
access to safe and secure technology, along with digital
connectivity, is increasingly required for women and their children
to contact safe shelter, support services and lifesaving resources.
Many rural and remote communities have daily challenges with
connectivity. Sincere thanks from our member programs to Rogers for
their leadership on bridging the digital divide in BC with phones
and infrastructure that will connect frontline workers to women,
children and youth fleeing violence.” - Amy S.
FitzGerald, Executive Director, BC Society of Transition
Houses
"As we enter a third wave of the pandemic, many Indigenous women
living in remote communities are facing increased challenges in
escaping violence and abuse. Providing these women with a new
phone when they arrive at our shelters will prove to be a valuable
tool in keeping them safely connected to family and friends, as
well as vital services. Rogers' expanded ‘digital lifeline’
program and planned network expansion are sure to benefit many
Indigenous women and children seeking refuge in our
shelters."- Sheila Swasson, President, National Aboriginal
Circle Against Family Violence
"Violence is never acceptable. As a Province, we must do
everything we can to protect the safety of women and children.
Cellphones can help sheltering women access services and support,
escape from violent situations and begin the process of healing. I
want to thank Rogers for expanding its phone program through
Women’s Shelters Canada. Together we can support victims of
gender-based violence and help people get the care they need
quickly.”- The Honourable Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’
Services, Province of British Columbia
Video:
Bally Basi is the Community, Social and Justice Programs Manager
for the Prince George and District Elizabeth Fry Society. She
shares her powerful story in this video about the impact of safe
connectivity for women escaping violence and abuse.
About RogersRogers is a proud Canadian company
dedicated to making more possible for Canadians each and every
day. Our founder, Ted Rogers, purchased his first radio
station, CHFI, in 1960. We have grown to become a leading
technology and media company that strives to provide the very best
in wireless, residential, sports, and media to Canadians and
Canadian businesses. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto
Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock
Exchange (NYSE: RCI). If you want to find out more about us,
visit about.rogers.com.
For more information:Rogers
Communications, media@rci.rogers.com, 1-844-226-1338
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