A Winnipeg business and cellphone repair man wants to collect and fix mobile phones so they can be handed out to the homeless.
Denny Black works at CPR Cell Phone Repair. He said many cellphones will make a call to 911, regardless of whether or not is it tied to carrier or contract.
On Thursday, Black posted on Facebook, asking Winnipeggers to donate cellphones they no longer use.
The post stated, “in light of the recent tragedies surrounding Winnipeg's homeless community we are accepting donations of both working and nonworking (cellphones) that we will repair for free and donate to Main Street Project, Siloam Mission and any other agencies that assist vulnerable people in our city.”
Friday morning, Black said so far five phones have been dropped off and he has been receiving phone calls from Winnipeggers on how they can help.
He said anyone who would like to help can drop off working and nonworking devices, along with the device's charging cord, at his cellphone shop, located at 160 Meadowood Drive.
An MTS spokesperson confirmed a person can place a call to 911 without having a wireless plan.
In order for the call to go through, the phone must be functioning, in a wireless coverage area and in a location where 911 calling service is available.
“The caller should be prepared to provide their precise location,” said MTS.
Winnipeg schools have also jumped on board with the drive to give Winnipeg’s most vulnerable a way to call for help.
Dakota Collegiate announced it would start collecting old cellphones Monday.
Teacher Raene Thompson heard about the drive and encouraged her school and students to get involved.
"Very exciting and wanting to be a part of it for sure. It's awesome," said student Kaya Ramsay.
Siloam Mission told CTV Friday it also thought the drive was awesome.
Judy Richichi, director of major gifts and corporate relations, said the cellphone donations are a testament to the community we live in.
Richichi said the phones could not only improve the safety of the downtown population, but also help them stay in touch with family and seek employment, if they’re able to eventually cover a wireless plan on a phone.
