Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Gently used cellphones, tablets and laptops are being collected across Kingston and area to help survivors of partner violence and vulnerable groups in the community.
Lennox and Addington Interval House as well as Kingston’s Dawn House and Street Health are all taking part in the initiative, which is known as Project Connect.
“The project originally started at Memorial University and it was just for women at shelters who had escaped amid partner violence,” said Noami Wedel, who is helping to organize the project. “The phones are a way for them to start over. They get a new number because often that’s part of the control in abusive relationships, not having that autonomy to have your cellphone number.”
The devices provide a wide range of benefits to clients, from giving them a way to dial 911 in an emergency to helping them access virtual health care. Wedel says they can also be an important tool to help them find a job as they begin to move on from a difficult situation.
Phone chargers, SIM cards and monetary donations are also welcome. Donations can be arranged by contacting ProjectConnectKingston@gmail.com or calling 613-817-7787. Wedel says in the future they hope to organize specific drop off days as well as establishing drop off zones throughout the community. Project Connect will be ongoing as there will be a constant need for the devices.