As you know, we run the Computers for Schools program in BC. Today marks the 25 anniversary and we are happy to celebrate it! Read more about it below.

Since 1993, the Computers for Schools (CFS) program has helped meet the demand for computers in Canadian classrooms and communities. This August marks the 25th anniversary of the program, a milestone proudly shared by provincial and territorial program affiliates across the country. In the course of those 25 years, the CFS program refurbished and delivered over 1.5 million computers.

This year, Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) also announced the
Connecting Families initiative to increase Internet accessibility for low-income Canadians.
As part of this initiative, a target of 50,000 additional computers will also be distributed to
eligible families through the CFS program.

“For the past 25 years, the CFS program has provided individuals from under-represented
groups with the tools and educational resources they need to thrive in our society and it is
with great pride that we mark this milestone anniversary,” said the Honourable Navdeep
Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). “The continued
growth and success of the program plays an important role in sustaining the innovation
culture so crucial to succeeding in the digital economy.”

“The Computers for Schools program has provided millions of Canadians with resources
and opportunities to build essential digital skills,” said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive
Director of CFSC-OPEC. “The continued work of the CFS affiliates contributes to digital
access that has become fundamental to economic participation."

“Providing affordable Internet service for low-income families is another important step
towards bridging digital divides that perpetuate in Canada,” added Mr. Harper-Merrett,
noting “Yet, as the CFS program continues to grow and refurbish more computers, it relies
on the support of corporate technology donors.”
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“The CFS program is about providing opportunities,” said Karen Kerr, Executive Director of
Computers for Schools Manitoba. “Women are underrepresented in technology
occupations - I have been involved with the program since 1995 and have seen first-hand
how CFS provides resources to help make digital skills accessible to women and other
under-represented groups.”

We couldn't run the Computers for Schools program without your continued support.​​ 
​Below are donors who supported us this month.

Last Friday we had our Annual General Meeting and our annual BBQ. The meeting is held by the board to make important decisions for our organization for the next year and foreseeable future. 

We are now releasing our Executive Annual Report, view it here or go to our about page.

The computers and laptops went to...

• ​17 Schools like James Ardiel Elementary in Surrey, Nicomekl Elementary in Langley, and Delta Secondary. These schools use computers and laptops for various things ranging from simply increasing their computer-to-student ratios so that every student has access to a computer during class to effectively learn, upgrading their current computers to keep up with the growing advances in computing, or even helping specific students.​

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• 14 Nonprofits such as Wachiay Friendship Centre Society whose mandate is to provide a host of services and supports to the urban Aboriginal population in the Comox Valley Regional District; Vancouver Tap Dance Society whose mission is to be an innovative leader in the promotion and preservation of tap dance; and Canucks Autism Network, who is dedicated to providing year-round sports and recreation programs for children, teens, young adults and families living with autism, while increasing autism awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia.

 

• 4 Students now have access to a desktop computers in their homes and that will allow them to do their homework (and procrastinate 😉), communicate with friends and family, look for jobs, learn new skills, etc. ​​If you are a student or know of one who needs a new desktop computer, please check out our Computers for Students program! 

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Check out the article by clicking here​.

These were great events for us to talk about our mission and to get people to stop disposing or recycling their computers and laptops!

This is big for us and we hope to hit more milestones soon!

We are excited to have them join our team. We also had to say good bye to 1 technician whose work term has recently ended. We wish them the all best in their academics and budding career!