Q: Is there anywhere people can get free cell phones, tablets or computers on the Coast?
A: As you may have read in the op-ed section of last week’s Coast Reporter, the Resource Centre’s Poverty Action Project is excited to be collaborating with the amazing Sunshine Coast Computer Kindness Program. This program, which has been running for quite some time, offers free and ultra-low-cost devices to those in need in our communities. Now, with the intention of amplifying this great work, the Resource Centre is offering what we are calling the Computer Kindness Corner: pilot project or CKC. The idea is by trying out the CKC at the Resource Centre as an additional drop-off and pickup location to access and donate devices, even more people can benefit from the good work the Sunshine Coast Computer Kindness Program has been doing for years.
Through the CKC at the Resource Centre – or through the original Computer Kindness channels – people in need looking to get a new-to-them refurbished device (phone, tablet, laptop or desktop) can request one. And, people with working devices they don’t use anymore, can donate them.
To request a device in person via the Resource Centre, come to our Sechelt office (ideally on the days we have set aside) and we will fill out a simple request form with you, and go from there. Laptops and desktops are free, phones and tablets cost $20. We will do our best to supply everyone who requests one with a device (one per person), but that will be completely reliant on the supply of community donations. If devices are available, we’d hope to get it to a person in seven to 14 days.
And for anyone with working technology you’d like to donate…please, please do so! You can help this program thrive, support those who can benefit from having the technology they deserve, and keep e-waste out of the landfill. Before you donate though, there are some important things to know. A few easy ones are: the devices must be in good working order (or they will be returned to you); you must do a factory reset on the device; there must be the relevant power cords / adapters along with your donation; and if it’s an Apple device like an iPhone, you must be logged out of your Apple ID. As well, when you come in, you will need to fill out a donation consent form.
The times we have set aside to request and donate devices are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (If those times don’t work with your schedule, our office is also open Mondays and Wednesdays during that same time frame, you just may need to wait a bit longer for our help. And if none of those days work, we will make something work.) This pilot program runs until July 21.
For any questions about the CKC pilot project at the Resource Centre, please email vicky@resourcecentre.ca, or call our office at 604-885-4088. (Our response time is quicker via email, if that is an option for you!)
Finally, remember that none of this would be possible without the Sunshine Coast Computer Kindness program. They have been leaders in championing digital equity and upcycling of devices for many years. The Sunshine Coast Computer Kindness Program’s existing networks and ways of operation are fully functional and continue to be an option for people wishing to request or donate (especially donations of desktop computers). Contact the Sunshine Coast Computer Kindness Program at: info@computerkindness.ca and learn more about their longstanding and valuable program at https://www.computerkindness.ca .
Learn more about our Poverty Action Project here: resourcecentre.ca/plan/poverty-action
Angie Theilmann is an information and referral specialist at the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre, your community information hub. The Resource Centre is open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments are recommended to be sure we are available to help you. Note: on some days, we can book clients after 2 p.m. Contact us: help@resourcecentre.ca or 604-885-4088.
