$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.
SOURCE MTS Allstream
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
