Slideshow image

Do you have an unused computer?

Consider donating it to help students who need one to connect with their teacher during this lockdown.

The Calgary Alliance for the Common Good, of which the Diocese is a founding member, is helping Education Matters of the Calgary Board of Education get computers into the homes of Calgary families who are currently trying to homeschool without computers.

There is a huge need and while the CBE is doing great work, they are only starting to get through all the high school students who need computers and are not yet meeting the need for junior high and elementary school children.

The CBE obtains computers to pass on to students from the non-profit Electronic Recycling Association. This organization works across the country but reports that 75% of its demand is right here in Calgary.

If you have any computers that you can donate to the ERA, please donate them ASAP. The ERA does all the work of wiping the hard drives etc. so that you do not need to worry about privacy and security concerns.

Obviously, the newer the computer the better but they take donations of all kinds and do what they can with them. You can read more about the ERA here https://www.electronicrecyclingassociation.ca/

You can call and arrange to drop off your computer safely at their Calgary location. 1-877- 9EWASTE.

If parishes or individuals want to organize a ‘group drop’ for computers in their neighborhood that would be fantastic. The ERA will come to pick up those computers from you should you collect 25 or more.

Of course, getting families in need of computers is only part of the picture. They also need home internet. The Calgary Alliance has been in conversation with the Mayor about how to work with the internet providers in our city to get this done. 

Thank you,

The Rev. Anna Greenwood-Lee
Rector, St. Laurence Anglican Church
Director, Wisdom Centre
Chair of the Board, Calgary Alliance for the Common Good