The Strathmore Overnight Shelter is currently asking the community to donate cell phones that may be sitting in a drawer not in use.
Pastor Elizabeth Karp, Executive Director of the shelter explained that these devices can be the leg up that a lot of her clients need.
“It is super important because they have no way to look for work or a place to live, it's really quite important, and especially for family members that are looking for them.”
Karp continued to explain that she has witnessed the power a cell phone holds when placed in the right hands.
She said they give cell phones to those who are really trying to get to the next step in their journey.
“I've got three guys actually that don't have a phone and they are sometimes hitchhiking back and forth to Calgary trying to get work, so having a phone would make a big difference.”
Karp explained that she does not have specific funding to buy SIM cards for the phones but often she tries to find room in the shelter's budget, or she pays out of her own pocket.
“A lot of times, if they use my phone number, those who don't have a phone, they are gone during the day. I don’t know where they are, so we have to wait until the evening to connect with them when they come back.”
She said that there are a lot of appointments missed during this time. Even if a cell phone does not have a SIM card, she says that most will work on WiFi which can be found in multiple places across town.
If interested in donating a used cell phone, please contact the shelter at (403) 880-3171.
Wed, May 1, 11:30 AM
