For immediate release: Friday, December 5, 2014

Contact: Tula Q. Mahl, 617-635-1922

Mayor Walsh invites Bostons 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 5th floor. Callers have been required to reserve a
time but there is still room for walk-ins. Veterans 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 Bostons older residents.
Even in this era of social media and online connectivity many people dont have opportunity to
connect with loved ones abroad, said Elderly Commissioner Emily Shea. This is a real opportunity
for Bostons 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 Citys 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.
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