Secondhand cellphones are needed for a charity launched in Masterton this week partnering a national communications firm with Women's Refuge. Orb Communications Masterton manager Nick Baxter said there are already several used cellphones on hand, which will be brought up to spec and loaded with $5 airtime, ready for donation toWomen's Refuge in Wairarapa. Orb Communications announced the partnership with Women's Refuge for the nationwide initiative, which also encourages Kiwis to recycle their old mobile phones, and will continue indefinitely after launching this week during the Women's Refuge Annual Appeal Week. "Women often come to us with nothing but the clothes on their back," National Collective of Independent Women's Refuge chief executive Heather Henare said. "Being able to provide them with a mobile phone can literally be a lifeline for them and their children." Mr Baxter said the cellphones may be deposited at the Orb branch in Bannister Street in Masterton and the units will be cleared of user information and repaired if necessary. "It would be good if the chargers could be dropped in as well although we could probably sort that out if there is none with the phone." Cash donations will also be accepted as part of the Appeal Week, he said. As well as asking communities to support its fundraising efforts, Women's Refuge is urging people to also play their part in "helping improve the life of women and children experiencing domestic violence by ensuring they speak out about these human rights abuses and do not tolerate them in any way", Ms Henare said. n For information about donating cash or your old mobile phone visit www.orb.co.nz or call 0800 ORB COM.
