When they are operating far from home, soldiers often rely on international calling cards to help them keep in touch with their loved ones. Being able to speak to their partners, children and other family members can be a huge morale booster.
One charity that appreciates the significance of this issue is non-profit organisation United Service Organisations (USO). It aims to boost the recreational services available to members of the US military and it runs programmes in 160 centres worldwide. Meanwhile, the phone cards it provides offer around an hour of talk time for troops.
In a recent move, it partnered with soft drinks giant Coca-Cola and grocery chain BI-LO. Under the terms of a deal reached between the parties, for every rotisserie meal bundle sold at BI-LO stores, Coca-Cola will donate $1 (63p) to OHP. This buys soldiers around 20 minutes of talk time.
Commenting on the importance of international phone cards and so on, vice president of corporate alliances at the organisation Cathy Martens said: “When a service member is deployed overseas, separated from their friends and family, sometimes for long periods of time, nothing means more to them than to be able to hear the voice of a loved one.”
She added: “The USO is grateful to have Coca-Cola and BI-LO partner with us to support a programme that gives our troops that connection they want and need.”
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola spokesperson Lauren Steele noted that the firm is “excited” to partner with BI-LO and the USO on the project, which provides people with the chance to speak with their loved ones on the phone while they are abroad serving their country.
Of course, it is not only soldiers that use phone cards. Many individuals around the globe make use of these handy provisions as a way of staying in touch with others.