Kawika Mitchell, Buffalo Bills linebacker and Hopeline spokesperson, signed autographs, took photos and met with fans at the Walden Galleria Mall this week to kickoff the Bills and Verizon Wireless HopeLine program.
In addition to learning more about the HopeLine program, fans were excited to meet with Mitchell in person and gave him lots of support for the upcoming game.
"He (Kawika) seems like a good guy and I hope he has a great game this weekend." said one Bills fan.
"I hope you sack Brees a bunch this weekend," said another Bills fan. "I hope so too!" said Mitchell.
Verizon Wireless and the Buffalo Bills will collect no-longer-used wireless phones to benefit domestic violence survivors at this Sunday's Bills game vs. the New Orleans Saints. Through Verizon Wireless' HopeLine® program, these phones will be refurbished and recycled or sold. Proceeds will be used to purchase wireless phones for domestic violence survivors to use in emergency or threatening situations. HopeLine also makes financial grants to domestic violence organizations. This is the ninth year the Bills and Verizon Wireless have teamed up to fight domestic violence in our communities.
Mitchell encourages fans to bring their old wireless phones to the game and deposit them in collection bins at any of the 10 gates as they enter Ralph Wilson Stadium. The first 1,000 fans to donate a phone will receive a complimentary poster featuring Mitchell. Kickoff is at 4:05 p.m. and gates open at 2:30 p.m.
"With support from our fans, we can give domestic violence survivors a lifeline to help in an emergency and work together to bring an end to this serious community issue," said Mitchell. "By bringing an old phone to the game this Sunday, or anytime at any Verizon Wireless location, you are helping to open the lines of communication and potentially save lives."
Phone donations are also accepted at all Verizon Wireless stores across the country. For additional information, please visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
