Phone drive helps Halifax-area residents in need stay connected and protected

The need for food, clothes and shelter is often on the rise this time of year, but for many people, a cellphone is just as essential.

The people behind the annual donation drive Phones for the Holidays hope to give residents in the Halifax-area the chance to stay connected and protected.

“As temperatures drop, its very important that you have access to communication in case of emergency. It literally can be the difference between life or death for folks who are street-involved,” says Scott Dillard, the founder of Boom12 Communications.

Dillard says the campaign has been running for six-consecutive years and has collected more than 100 used phones for people who otherwise couldn’t afford one but need one to communicate.

"The idea is that we reach out to the community and ask folks to donate used smartphones that we can subsequently hand off to the North End Community Health Centre, who distribute it to street-involved individuals over the winter,” says Dillard.

“People are encouraged to wipe it, pack it, and drop it at one of seven locations in Halifax and Dartmouth.”

5k Café in Halifax is one of the drop-off locations.

“(It was important to give) something back, especially at a time of year when people in need are more in need,” said Steve Maly, the café’s co-owner.

When it comes to what type of phone is acceptable, Dillard says no device is too old.

"We will not say no to any working phone,” says Dillard. “The requirements are very straightforward. It is very simple. If you have an old phone, we encourage you to wipe it."

Drop off locations include QuinPrint, Cove Sport Therapy, Rage Room Halifax , Dilly Dally Café, The 5K Café, reachAbility Association, and Cape and Cowl Comics.

Officially, the last day to donate is a phone is Jan. 2, But Dillard says donations made after that will still be accepted.

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