Digital Lifelines for Women in Crisis

Rogers Expands Phone Program to More Women’s Shelters and Transition Houses Across Canada - Seite 2

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:

“Isolation and the economic impacts of the pandemic have led to an increase in violence and abuse across the country and too many Canadian women are facing this dual storm.  Rogers is proud to partner with Women’s Shelters Canada to provide phones and plans as digital lifelines to women in crisis, while we continue investing in expanding our networks to improve safety by closing critical communication gaps across the nation.”
- Sevaun Palvetzian, Chief Communications Officer and lead for corporate responsibility at Rogers

“Women’s shelters and transition houses across the country – and the women and children they serve – will greatly benefit from Rogers’ expanded programs. We’ve seen how the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated both the violence women and children face and the financial difficulties of the shelters that support them. This program directly enables women to safely stay in touch with loved ones, apply for jobs, and access counselling and other resources, all of which helps them - and their children - to live lives free from violence.”
- Lise Martin, Executive Director, Women’s Shelters Canada

"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."