Need help getting online, printing documents, or accessing a phone or computer? Across the Sunshine Coast, free and low-cost options are available to provide devices, internet access, and other resources to keep you connected and help you access information and services.
If you don’t have a device, you may be able to receive one through the Sunshine Coast Computer Kindness Program. This project collects donated phones, tablets, and laptops in working order, and redistributes them to people in need through local partners. If you would like to donate a device, please call the Resource Centre at 604-885-4088 or email us at [email protected] to arrange a time to drop off the device during our office hours (Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). To streamline the process, we have provided a donation form that you can download online at resourcecentre.ca.
To request a device from the Computer Kindness Corner, community members should contact the community navigator at Sunshine Coast Community Services or the program lead at Arrowhead Clubhouse, who manage device distribution. You can reach the community navigator at 604-885-5881, extension 248, or Arrowhead Clubhouse at 604-747-4734. While device availability depends on donations, every effort will be made to connect you with one.
Community members in Egmont can now use a free Mac desktop computer and printer/scanner at the Bathgate Store. The computer includes bookmarked links to important government sites and ready-to-use forms like Service Canada and legal aid documents. It is available during store hours (please call ahead at 604-883-2222 to confirm store hours). Find the Bathgate Store at 6781 Bathgate Road, Egmont.
Public computers, free Wi-Fi, and printing (for a fee) are available during regular hours at the Gibsons and Sechelt Public Libraries. Both libraries also offer free tech help appointments. These one-on-one sessions can help with getting a new device set-up, creating and using an email account, learning how to navigate social media, or simply becoming more comfortable with your device. In Sechelt, 30-minute appointments are available on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon, and Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Call 604-885-3260 or email [email protected] to book an appointment. In Gibsons, appointments are offered Tuesdays between 1 and 4:30 p.m. and appointments can be made by calling 604-886-2130, emailing [email protected], or visiting the library.
For those who need internet or phone service at home, TELUS offers two programs for eligible individuals and families. Internet for Good provides high-speed internet for as low as $10 per month to low-income seniors and families, youth aging out of care, or persons with disabilities. Mobility for Good offers phone plans for reduced rates for youth aging out of care, low-income seniors. Applications can be made online at telus.com/internetforgood or telus.com/mobilityforgood.
The Sunshine Coast Resource Centre is here to help you apply for TELUS programs, complete forms, print or scan documents, and connect with the digital supports you need. For a comprehensive list of resources and services, visit our online “Digital Equity & Inclusion” guide (resourcecentre.ca/plan/resource-guides/) or stop by our office to pick up a printed copy. You can reach us by phone at 604-885-4088, email at [email protected] or drop by our current location at 107A – 5710 Teredo Street in Sechelt, Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please note that we will be moving offices and will be closed starting July 14. Beginning July 21, we will reopen at our new location at 5674 Cowrie Street, maintaining our usual hours. Just ask — we’re here to help.
