Verizon Wireless Donates $2,500 To Local Women's Shelter

SAN DIEGO, CA — Verizon Wireless, a recognized corporate leader in the effort to curb domestic violence, today announced that is has donated $2,500 to Episcopal Community Services (ECS) Julian's Sanctuary, a San Diego-based housing program that helps victims of stalking, sexual assault and domestic violence. Awarded at Verizon Wireless' new Hillcrest retail store, the grant will be used to help local domestic violence survivors along their path to independence.

"Violence is a social problem we can conquer," said Camey Christianson, program manager for ECS Julian's Sanctuary. "Through our unique combination of housing, counseling, education and vocational guidance and childcare, we are able to offer battered women and their children more than survival. Verizon Wireless' grant will help support our operations and enable us to purchase textbooks and study materials for the residents earning their GED and general education college textbooks."

"Whether it affects a friend, neighbor, or a co-worker, chances are there is someone you know who suffers from abuse," said Dave Cadapan, manager for Verizon Wireless' Hillcrest retail store. "Ending domestic violence is a top priority for Verizon Wireless and as a new merchant in Hillcrest, I am proud that Verizon Wireless is committed to helping local organizations like ECS Julian's Sanctuary that directly serve victims of abuse."

Last year, Verizon Wireless, Mayor Dick Murphy, City Attorney Casey Gwinn, the San Diego Domestic Violence Council, and other partners launched a cooperative effort aimed at reducing domestic violence in San Diego. The campaign includes outreach to local businesses, an ongoing phone collection drive at Verizon Wireless retail stores, and a donation of 400 digital wireless phones and free service to the Domestic Violence Unit of the City Attorney's Office. The unit distributes these phones directly to victims or to domestic violence prevention agencies throughout San Diego.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless is the leading wireless communications provider in the U.S., with the largest wireless network and more than 29.4 million customers. The coast-to-coast wireless provider was formed by the combination of the U.S. wireless businesses of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Verizon Wireless has a footprint covering more than 90 percent of the U.S. population, 49 of the top 50 and 97 of the top 100 U.S. markets. The company, headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, is 40,000 employees strong. Reporters and editors can find more information about the company on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com.

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