News and Updates - BC Tech for Learning Society

Monthly Update - September 2018

10/1/2018

We distributed 813 computers and laptops this month!

This is the most computers we distributed in a month all year! We surpassed our high set in August of 577.

43% of the computers and laptops went to 19 BC schools like Robson Valley Jr. Academy in Prince George, Royal Oak Secondary Alternative Programs in Burnaby, Strathcona Elementary in Chilliwack, and Henry Hudson Elementary in Vancouver. 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.
55% went to 20 nonprofits like Burnaby Family Life, who offer quality community social services in Burnaby and in neighbouring communities. An impressive 40 different languages are spoken by their staff, allowing them the diversity needed to embrace all cultures, increasing understanding and breaking down barriers; Victoria Cool Aid Society, who act to end homelessness by working in partnership with others to develop community-based solutions. They are committed to advocating for and providing emergency shelter, supportive housing, integrated health care and other support services; White Buffalo Indigenous Urban Services, who raise the health status of Aboriginal peoples by providing holistic health care that includes physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health provisions for individuals, families and the Aboriginal community; and Free Geek Vancouver, a nonprofit community organization that reduces the environmental impact of waste electronics by reusing and recycling donated technology. They are similar to us in that they refurbish computers, however our computers go to schools and nonprofits whereas theirs are available more publicly.
14 computers went to low-income students. who 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. We expect the Connecting Families program to be up and running in the coming months.