The Comox Valley RCMP are asking for the public’s help but in a different manner.
For several years, the detachment has accepted donations from the public for old and unused cell phones.
The devices received are cleaned up and then donated to victims of domestic violence.
While most of us let our older devices collect dust, the police say what might be an old phone to one person is a lifeline for those trying to escape a dangerous encounter.
“When you’re hurt, feeling unsafe or threatened, you should call for help – but what if you don’t have a phone,” said the Comox Valley RCMP in a media release.
“During a violent encounter, a person may be frantically looking for a device to call emergency personnel to either de-escalate the situation or provide emergency assistance.”
For those looking to donate a device, the police are asking for them to include a few essential features:
- The phone uses a SIM card only (older phones cannot be used on modern networks)
- The phone does not have a cracked screen
- The phone has a battery
- Apple devices must be signed out of the Apple ID and passcode turned off
- Android devices must be signed out of Google play or any other account that links the owner to the phone
- Please include a charger if possible
Donations can be made to the Comox Valley RCMP Detachment at 800 Ryan Road in Courtenay.
