MONTREAL, March 20, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Computers for Success –Canada Inc. (CFSC) is pleased to announce its partnership with Shaw Communications to donate computer equipment through the Government of Canada’s Computers for Schools (CFS) program– which has distributed more than $450 million worth of computers to schools, Indigenous communities, non-profits, and low-income families since 1993.
To launch this partnership, Shaw and Computers for Schools will distribute more than 300 computers to Pathways to Education (Pathways) – a national, charitable organization working to help youth in low-income communities to graduate from high school and successfully transition to post-secondary education, training, or employment. This important donation will help to level the playing field for Pathways students across Canada. The partnership between CFSC and Shaw also includes technology donations to the BC Technology for Learning Society for the CFS program in BC as a first step in a potential national partnership.
“Every child, no matter what their background is, deserves access to the essential equipment they need to get the most out of their education,“ said Chethan Lakshman, Vice President, External Affairs, Shaw Communications. “This partnership with Computers for Success to support Pathways will help ensure that more kids in Canada have the opportunity to succeed in school now, and are set up for success in their future.”
"In committing to donate used computers, Shaw joins the many national brands that have contributed in this way to support access to economic development for all Canadians since the CFS program’s launch, 25 years ago” said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director, CFSC-OPEC. "Furthermore, the program ensures computers are reused rather than recycled, and provides technical work experience for youth across Canada." On a yearly basis, the CFS program hires more than 300 youth interns.
“Many students do not have access to a computer or the internet to complete their homework. Access to digital learning tools are essential for high school students on their path to achieving educational success,” says Sue Gillespie, President and CEO, Pathways to Education Canada. “We are grateful for this partnership between Shaw and Computers for Success, making it possible for hundreds of Pathways students from coast to coast to develop 21st century skills and realize their true potential.”
“I knew I wanted to go into IT when I was in Grade 9,” says Abdul, a Pathways alumnus who graduated from high school in 2011. “I didn’t have a computer until I came to Canada, but as soon as I got one, I started to learn things about it, and doing all these cool things that I didn’t know were possible. That’s what got me interested in technology.”
Now, Abdul is a graduate of Ryerson University’s Business Technology Management program, and works at Pathways to Education Canada as a Program Support Analyst. Looking ahead, he dreams of becoming a Chief Technology Officer or creating his own startup company.
Through their partnership, Shaw and Computers for Success Canada will make a significant impact in the lives of Canada’s young people living in low-income communities, supporting the future success of young people like Abdul.
About the CFS program
Computers for Schools is a pan-Canadian program that refurbishes computers donated by government, businesses and individuals, for use by schools, registered not-for-profit organizations and low-income families.
About CFSC-OPEC
Computers for Success – Canada Inc. | Ordinateurs pour l’excellence – Canada Inc. (CFSC-OPEC) is a not-for-profit organization, established in 2005, supporting the impacts of Government of Canada digital inclusion and economic development programs. CFSC-OPEC’s services stand in four pillars - marketing and communications, partnership development, strategic planning, and project management.
About Shaw
Shaw Communications Inc. is a leading Canadian connectivity company. The Wireline division consists of Consumer and Business services. Consumer serves residential customers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, video and digital phone. Business provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, digital phone and video services. The Wireless division provides wireless voice and LTE data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure.
Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (Symbol: TSX - SJR.B, SJR.PR.A, SJR.PR.B, NYSE – SJR, and TSXV – SJR.A). For more information, please visit www.shaw.ca
About Pathways to Education
Pathways to Education is a national, charitable organization breaking the cycle of poverty through education. Its award-winning program is creating positive social change by supporting youth living in low-income communities to overcome barriers to education, graduate from high school, and build the foundation for a successful future. Through the collective power of partnerships, Pathways to Education’s innovative program is preparing youth for tomorrow.
To learn more, visit www.pathwaystoeducation.ca
| Contacts | |
| Julie Brouard Manager, Communications Computers for Success – Canada Inc. julie.brouard@cfsc-opec.org T: 1 514 793 8073 | Colleen Ryan Director, Marketing and Communications Pathways to Education Canada cryan@pathwayscanada.ca T: 1 416 646 0123 x503 |
| Chethan Lakshman, VP, External Affairs Shaw Communications Inc. chethan.lakshman@sjrb.ca T: (403) 930-8448 | |