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By Shane Clausing
Odyssey House

Odyssey House seeking donations of old tablets, cell phones

Feb 9, 2021 | 6:23 PM

Odyssey House in Grande Prairie is putting a call out for donations of old tablets, cell phones and electronics to the shelter.

Odyssey House is a non-profit organization and registered charity that provides safe and secure accommodation for women and their children who are victims of domestic violence, or those women who are in need of alternative housing.

According to Makayla Marcotte, the Director of Communications at Odyssey House, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned electronics into an essential item.

“With the COVID-19 situation, a lot of things have gone virtual. Whether that would be school for kids living in the shelter, some individuals are working online and a lot of court and legal proceedings have switched to an online capacity. Normally a phone or a laptop is important, but in these particular circumstances the level of importance has really increased.”

Marcotte points to a phone being important for when residents are out of the shelter and going about their daily routine.

“At work, you have a phone at that location, but it’s during the in-between times. Maybe you’re taking public transit or driving, and you need to make a phone call for safety or legal reasons. We do our best to provide supports in-house when we can.”

Marcotte also says the need for phones, laptops and tablets isn’t just important for work and legal reasons, but it also gives residents of Odyssey House a chance to connect with family.

Odyssey House says it isn’t looking for anything special when it comes to the new electronics, but rather just old passed down tablets and phones so residents can have something to use.

Donations can be done on Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please call Odyssey House at 780-296-5403 to arrange a pickup or drop off time.

Marcotte says Odyssey House thanks everyone who has taken the time to donate to them. They also encourage the community to donate sanitation supplies, PPE, and gift cards if they can.

by Shane Clausing