This is why the Central Murray Sunrise Rotary Club is calling on the Yarrawonga community to make a difference by donating their old mobile phones to DV Safe Phone.
A collection box for the initiative has now been placed at Yarrawonga News & Gifts, making it easier than ever to turn your unused phone into a lifeline for someone in need.
Local Rotary members Kathy Payne and Sue Castelow have proudly set up the collection box, encouraging residents to dig through their drawers and drop off any working or non-working mobile phones they no longer use.
DV Safe Phone doesn’t just send phones to their registered agencies—each phone provided to a victim comes as part of a DV Safe Phone Kit, which includes: a brand-new charging cable, a SIM card for immediate activation and call credit to ensure victims can reach help when they need it most.
Ms Payne said that most of us have an old phone sitting around, gathering dust so why not donate it.
“By donating your old phone, you can give someone in crisis a critical tool to seek help, reconnect with loved ones, and access emergency services," Ms Payne said.
“Local businesses and organisations with outdated corporate phone fleets are also encouraged to get involved.
“Businesses and organisations – your phone fleet can help too!”
Retired work phones that are sitting in storage can be repurposed to save lives.
DV Safe Phone securely wipes, refurbishes, and redistributes these devices to victims of domestic violence through frontline agencies. A simple action that can save a life.
DV Safe Phone CEO and Founder, Ashton Wood, said that for domestic violence (DV) victims, access to a safe phone can mean the difference between life and death.
"With domestic violence instances on the rise, we need all the help we can get to ensure that every call for help can be heard," Mr Wood said.
“Perpetrators often use phones to control and monitor their victims, leaving them isolated and without a secure way to keep in contact with friends and family or seek help.
“Our goal is to get a safe phone into the hands of every Australian DV victim who needs one.
“With over two million known DV victims in Australia, there is no doubt we have a significant challenge on our hands.
“However, we know that with your help, we can break down barriers to accessing vital help when it is needed most. You can play a vital role in ensuring every call for help is heard.
“We are putting out a call to action. $75 + a phone equals a life supported.”
It costs just $75 to get a phone fully prepared and into the hands of a victim in need so if you don’t have a phone to donate but still want to help, consider making a financial contribution to support this life-changing cause.
To donate a phone or contribute, visit www.dvsafephone.org.
Every phone, every dollar, and every act of generosity makes a difference.
Your involvement, support, and commitment can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence.
Together, we can work towards a safer and more compassionate community.
Drop your old phone into the collection box at Yarrawonga News & Gifts today—and help give the gift of safety and connection to someone in crisis.
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