Rogers donates phones with voice, data plans to women's shelters in B.C.

Rogers is working with a handful of women's shelters in British Columbia to offer complimentary devices with six months' worth of free voice and data plans. The project hopes to provide connectivity to vulnerable citizens, like women and children who suddenly find themselves at home with an abusive family member. It's also meant to help women find safe housing with the help of the city staff as well as access other shelter services offered in their areas.

"Whether calling emergency services, accessing support, or staying in touch with loved ones, the donations are aimed at helping vulnerable women with their immediate and crisis needs," said Rick Sellers, president of the B.C. region of Rogers Communications, in a press release.

Rogers donated the devices to the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre, Atira Women's Resource Society, and Helping Spirit Lodge Society in Vancouver; Dixon House in Burnaby; Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society in Surrey; the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, the Victoria Women's Transition House Society in Victoria; and the Okanagan Nation Transition Emergency House in Penticton.

The national carrier also donated devices and tablets with six months of free service to the Big Sisters of B.C. Lower Mainland to help vulnerable families access the digital tools and services they require.