$150,000 funding commitment to help Aboriginal women overcome the effects of family violence
WINNIPEG, Nov. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Today MTS announced a three-year, $150,000 funding commitment to the Red Road to Healing and Traditional Teachings ('RRHTT') program, a domestic violence healing and prevention initiative that delivers culturally-based education and support to Aboriginal women in Manitoba recovering from the effects of family violence.
Designed by local domestic violence expert, advocate and survivor, Shannon Buck, the innovative program has been identified by the Government of Canada's Department of Justice as a promising practice to reduce violence and increase the safety of Aboriginal women in Canada. Through traditional teachings, sharing circles, drumming, elders' teachings, sweat lodge ceremonies and one-on-one support and counseling, RRHTT helps participants to heal and reduce their vulnerability to repeat violence.
Ms. Buck will deliver the program in partnership with the North Point Douglas Women's Centre, an agency that serves women who experience high levels of marginalization and violence. "Families can be devastated by the effects of violence for generations," said Ms. Buck. "This program helps women on their journey to heal and allows them to pass their learning on to their children, helping to break the cycle of abuse."
"From our corporate citizenship initiatives to individual employee volunteerism, our goal is to make our community stronger," said MTS President Kelvin Shepherd. "Manitoba has the second highest rate of domestic violence in Canada at twice the national average. The Red Road to Healing and Traditional Teachings program is achieving positive results and has tremendous potential. It will deliver life-changing tools to create healthier Manitoba families. I'm very pleased that MTS can help expand the program."
The RRHTT program will be offered in early 2014, with three dates in Winnipeg and a number of "train the trainer" opportunities in rural and northern Manitoba being delivered each year. By training and supporting community-based service providers to deliver their own program, the initiative will serve hundreds more women.
"MTS's generous contribution underscores the Company's commitment to Manitoba and making a difference in our communities," said Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Family Services. "The Manitoba government is committed to working with our community partners, public and private. Only by working together can we end domestic violence and build a province where all families are healthy and strong. We appreciate MTS's support of this important program and their recognition of the positive impact it will have for all Manitobans."
MTS's support for the RRHTT program complements the Company's long-standing commitment to the Manitoba Justice CELL Program for Abuse and Stalking Victims, as well as its support of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
About MTS
MTS is the leading full-service communications provider for residential and business customers in Manitoba. The company's suite of products and services include the latest in wireless technology, high-speed Internet, an award-winning IPTV service, voice services, home security, and an extensive range of business solutions. A technology leader, MTS operates advanced wireless networks delivering the best coverage for Manitobans with its 4G, CDMA and Wi-Fi wireless networks and is investing to build out its extensive fibre-to-the-home network in over 20 Manitoba communities. MTS's momentum is fueled by the knowledge, skills and spirit of its 3,000 Manitoba-based employees. With over 100 years of operations, MTS is rooted firmly in the community and is a proud sponsor of the MTS Centre, home to the NHL's Winnipeg Jets. MTS is wholly owned by Manitoba Telecom Services Inc. which is listed on the TSX (trading symbol: MBT). For information on MTS's products and services, please visit www.mts.ca.
Forward-looking Statements Disclaimer
This news release includes forward-looking statements and information (collectively, the "statements") about the Company's corporate direction, business opportunities, operations, financial objectives and future financial results and performance that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. As a consequence, actual results in the future may differ materially from any conclusion, forecast or projection in such forward-looking statements. Therefore, forward-looking statements should be considered carefully and undue reliance should not be placed on them. Examples of statements that constitute forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "believe", "expect", "project", "should", "anticipate", "could", "target", "forecast", "intend", "plan", "outlook", "see", "set", "pending", and other similar terms.
Factors that could cause anticipated opportunities and actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, matters identified in the "Material assumptions" section, and the "Risks and uncertainties" section, in the Company's 2012 Annual MD&A and 2012 Annual Information Form, all of which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Please note that forward-looking statements reflect Management's expectations as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Image with caption: " (Left to Right) Christie Paul, Neighbourhood Resource Coordinator, North Point Douglas Women's Centre; Shannon Buck, Program Founder, Red Road to Healing and Traditional Teachings (RRHTT); and Kelvin Shepherd, President, MTS, outside of the North Point Douglas Women's Centre - one of the locations where the RRHTT program will be offered in early 2014. (CNW Group/MTS Allstream)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131101_C9253_PHOTO_EN_32813.jpg
SOURCE: MTS Allstream
Media:
Jessica Poitras
Corporate Communications
204 958-3230
[email protected]
Share this article