IRT calling for phones for homeless seniors
A dream to empower older Australians to live free from disadvantage is the driving force behind the IRT Foundation’s first mobile phone drive this December.
Aged care group IRT are aiming to have 100 mobile phones donated for homeless seniors this Christmas (Source: IRT Group)
The aged care provider’s initiative hopes to receive 100 mobile phone donations with the aim to hand them out as gifts to seniors in need for Christmas.
IRT Foundation Manager Toby Dawson say the phones will be “kitted out” with a new prepaid SIM card and gifted to the Foundation’s clients to help them connect with family, friends and service providers this Christmas, but adds that IRT need the public’s help.
“To help achieve our vision, we’re calling on members of the public to donate mobile phones and chargers that are in good working order by 15 December,” he says.
“In our experience, seniors who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless often can’t afford a mobile phone.
“This makes it hard for them to stay in touch with loved ones or service providers.
“Christmas can be a difficult time for people who are down on their luck [and] by donating your unused mobile phone you can help to bring peace and joy this Christmas.”
To take part in the initiative, IRT Foundation is suggesting people mail or drop off mobile phones with charger to IRT Foundation where IT experts at IRT Group will do a factory reset, install a new prepaid SIM Card and test the phones and chargers, then IRT Foundation will gift the mobiles to clients in need.
Branka Zugnoni is just one of the individuals who has jumped on board to support the IRT Foundation initiative having made a mobile phone donation of her own.
“The mobile phone drive is a great idea,” she says.
“Most people I know hang onto their old mobiles just in case their new one gets damaged or goes missing – but how many of us really use them?
“I feel great knowing I’ve not only recycled my old phone, but actually helped someone in need this Christmas.”
Mobile phones for the initiative can be sent to IRT Foundation at:
IRT Foundation
c/o IRT Group reception
77 Market Street, Wollongong
PO Box 2106, Wollongong DC NSW 2500
