Cell Phones for Safety: Did You Get a Cell Phone for Christmas?
The Cellphones for Safety Campaign aims to collect used phones for distribution to victims of abuse and violence to assist in their safety and independence.
Boxing Day shopping provides the perfect opportunity to score great deals, and with technology discounts available, it’s the ideal opportunity to both upgrade your own devices and help others in need. This year, why not give back by donating a cell phone for safety? Many of us have old, outdated cell phones stashed away, gathering dust in drawers. These phones may no longer serve our needs, but they can be a lifeline to someone else.
Christa Sanford, Community Domestic Violence Response Lead with the Domestic Violence Action Team, is encouraging you to donate your leftover phones. Your donation could provide an invaluable resource for victims fleeing domestic violence.
Cell phones can significantly increase independence, security, and opportunity, especially for those in unsafe situations. Abusers often try to control their victims by taking or destroying their phones, leaving them isolated and unable to seek help. However, even a phone without an active plan can still dial 911, providing a vital means of contact in an emergency. By donating your old device, you’re giving someone the hope, safety, and independence they need to escape an abusive situation and rebuild their future.
Jill Young, CEO of YWCA, says, “The Cell Phones for Safety program has been an important resource in our community for several years, providing a lifeline for many individuals in need, including those escaping domestic violence. As one of several organizations in Lethbridge that directly benefits from this program, we see firsthand the difference it makes by putting phones directly into the hands of those who need them. A cell phone is a critical tool for someone fleeing dangerous situations, providing an immediate, crucial connection to emergency services, support networks, and other resources. Community support is essential to keep this vital program running, and we’re grateful for everyone who helps make it possible.”
The Domestic Action Violence Team (DVAT) is initiating a year-round campaign, Cell Phones for Safety, to collect cell phones, chargers, SIM cards, and tablets for donation to organizations working to prevent Domestic Violence. Community partners have set up drop locations and welcome any donations, which will be distributed to organizations in need.
Last year, over 300 smartphones were donated to the Cellphones for Safety campaign. All phones are reset, sanitized, and bundled with chargers before being given to those fleeing domestic violence.
Where to Drop Off:
YWCA
604 8th Street South, Lethbridge
Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization
500 11th Street South, Lethbridge
Lethbridge Police Service
135 1st Avenue South, Lethbridge
Lethbridge Family Services
1107 2A Avenue North, Lethbridge
Please ensure phones are wiped of personal data and set to factory settings. If unable to do so or chargers are not readily available, phones will be reset to factory settings prior to distribution.
The Domestic Violence Action Team (DVAT) is a committee that is dedicated to providing coordinated prevention and early intervention response to domestic violence within South Western Alberta. DVAT engages with community partners and collaborates with local and provincial organizations.
New Community Domestic Violence Response Lead
LFS is proud to announce Christa Sanford as the new Community Domestic Violence Response Lead, joining the team in our Counselling Outreach and Education department. Christa is looking forward to working in collaboration with community partnerships to resolve gaps and challenges in ending domestic violence
Christa is a graduate of the Lethbridge College Criminal Justice Program and worked at Lethbridge Correctional Centre as a Correctional Officer I/Acting Caseworker for 5 years. Then, Christa worked with apprehended youth in a group home for nearly 3 years. By a turn of events she found herself working in settlement services. Christa spent the next 13 years working with newcomers to Canada and helping adults, children, and youth navigate their way in a new homeland. During her time working in settlement and with help from others, Christa was able to create several programs that assisted with settlement, such as an after-school homework club, summer program opportunities for youth, and a mental health group for newcomer children. Christa also had the opportunity to engage clients and develop relevant activities and curricula that met the needs and wants of vulnerable women at Lethbridge Family Services, Immigrant Services.
Christa is excited for her new role as the Community Domestic Violence Response Lead so that she can continue her work with the community, providing engagement and learning opportunities that will improve the well-being and lives of individuals and families who call Lethbridge their home.
Media Inquiries:
Christa Sanford
Manager, Counselling, Outreach & Education / Community Domestic Violence Response Lead
Lethbridge Family Services
CSanford@LFSfamily.ca
403-327-5724
