The Western Region Ontario Provincial Police is donating over 200 surplus cell phones to victim services agencies across Southwestern Ontario including Chatham-Kent.
The donated phones will support victims of crime and vulnerable people in crisis who may not have access to or may not be able to safely use their own cell.
Kate do Forno is the Executive Director of Chatham-Kent Victim Services, says they reach out to assist victims around the municipality.
“When we are supporting victims of crime in our community, we often try to support that client through providing a cell phone,” do Forno says. “What this donation will allow us to do is allow us to put that reach further to into the community and support more people.”
do Forno says there is a screening process to determine how best to distribute the devices based on highest priority needs.
“We always provide phones for anybody who’s experiencing domestic violence,” she says. “Because we know there’s been an increase in domestic violence in our community throughout the pandemic, it’s important to us that we get the message out there that we have these tools to be able to help you and help you exit safely.”
The local agency is set to receive 20 phones this week.
Anyone in need of support can call Chatham-Kent Victim Services can call 519-436-6630, or dial 9-1-1 if you need immediate assistance.
