Mayor Walsh invites Boston’s older adults to call family and friends all over the world for free

Mayor Walsh invites Boston’s older adults to call family and friends all over the world for free

Celebrating a 19-year partnership with AT&T

BOSTON –  To kick off the holiday season, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, in partnership with AT&T, has invited Boston residents 60 years of age and older to visit City Hall and call family and friends living all over the world free of charge. 

On Friday, December 5, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., callers will be dialing their loved ones in the Piemonte and Curly rooms at Boston City Hall on the 5^th floor. Callers have been required to reserve a time but there is still room for walk-ins. Veteran’s from the New England Center for Homeless Veterans have been invited to stop by and make their phone calls. 

Callers are provided with 60 minutes to call as many people as they want, anywhere in the world. In past years, 250 callers have made calls to over 35 countries.  

“Having family in Ireland myself, I know that especially at this time of year it is hard to be away from family,” said Mayor Walsh.  “Therefore, we find that giving people this opportunity to connect with friends and family from their home country is priceless.”

“This event is one of my favorite happenings each holiday season,” said Patricia Jacobs, President of AT&T, New England. “AT&T is thrilled to contribute the technology and the resources to connect family and friends around the world with Boston’s older residents.”

“Even in this era of social media and online connectivity many people don’t have opportunity to connect with loved ones abroad,” said Elderly Commissioner Emily Shea.  “This is a real opportunity for Boston’s older adults to talk to family and friends from their home country.” 

This event is sponsored by AT&T and is organized in partnership with the City’s Commission on Affairs of the Elderly.  Senior callers enjoy transportation to and from City Hall, a delicious breakfast and lunch, and an hour of quality time on the phone with family and friends.  AT&T installs 48 phone lines and organizes 20 volunteers who make the day a success. AT&T has hosted this event for 19 years as a part of their commitment to build strong, connected and thriving communities.