Another successful AT&T Holiday Connections event at Boston City Hall – a 30-year tradition – took place on December 13, 2024 with the Boston Age Strong Commission and the Boston Police Department (BPD).
More than 350 older Americans came through for the event, including breakfast, lunch and holiday activities. Many also participated in AT&T’s free international phone bank – this year’s provided international cell phones.
At the event, AT&T volunteers engaged with older Americans and hosted an info table, alongside half a dozen other local government entities like the Boston Public Library and the Department of Innovation and Technology.
“Age Strong is so grateful to partner with AT&T on our Holiday Connections event,” said Emily K. Shea, Boston’s Age Strong Commissioner. “Hundreds of Boston’s older residents will have the opportunity to connect with loved ones across the world, learn new tips for their technology, and enjoy the day together.”
AT&T Atlantic Region President John Emra spoke to a large group of 60+ older Americans alongside Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox and Age Strong Commissioner Emily Shea. Following this conversation, AT&T and BPD hosted a safety seminar and digital workshop geared toward older adults. After the presentations, the AT&T team engaged in a 1-on-1 with the older adults to help answer tech and device troubleshooting questions.
“We are grateful for partnerships like this one that create an opportunity for our officers to connect with Boston’s older adults about ways to protect themselves from scammers and other dangers,” said Commissioner Michael Cox, Boston Police Department. “Community policing is about building trust and connecting with people and we are happy to be part of this great event.”
The workshop at the Holiday Connections event was the 15th digital safety workshop hosted by AT&T and BPD. The collaboration has reached more than 400 older adults each session – in almost every neighborhood in Boston. These events provide tech training, scam/fraud prevention info and other digital safety tips.
The collaboration will continue into the new year, with another workshop already scheduled with BPD for January 2025.
“We’re happy to once again help Boston’s older adults stay in touch with their friends and families living overseas this holiday season,” said John Emra, President, AT&T Atlantic Region. “We are grateful to Mayor Wu, Commissioner Shea and Age Strong, Commissioner Cox and BPD for their collaboration and commitment to keeping Boston’s older adults connected. Technology allows older adults freedom, convenience, and communication, and it is important that they have the resources to enjoy the digital world safely and securely. We hope this event provides the warmth of connection with loved ones, the confidence to harness the power of technology, and a lot of holiday joy.”
