MONTREAL, April 03, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Computers for Success Canada (CFSC) is pleased to welcome Cogeco as a new multi-province technology donor to the Computers for Schools (CFS) program. Since 1993, this Government of Canada program has refurbished and distributed over 1.6 million computers to schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income families.
This partnership confirms Cogeco’s intention to donate its used technology to the CFS program and reflects its support of the program’s intent to deliver improved access to technology for Canadians at risk of digital exclusion. This multi-year multi-province partnership will also help support the Government of Canada’s Connecting Families Initiative, that offers low-income families access to home Internet for 10 dollars per month. Connecting Families also offers eligible recipients access to a free computer so that they can further benefit from the initiative.
"In committing to donate used technology to the CFS program, Cogeco joins the many national brands that have demonstrated a commitment to digital inclusion and equity for marginalized Canadian populations,” said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director, CFSC-OPEC. "Furthermore, the program ensures computers are reused, providing significant environmental benefits as compared to disposal alternatives, and provides digital work experience for CFS Interns across Canada." On a yearly basis, the CFS program hires more than 300 youth interns.
Internet and computer access can be fundamental to a child’s success in school, finding employments opportunities, and being a part of social network communities. The access provided by the CFS program helps include populations that might otherwise be further excluded from the digitizing economy.
“At Cogeco, we are excited about this new partnership with Computers for Success Canada, which not only allows us to have a positive social impact on Canadian families, but also to find a new life for our used technology,” said Elizabeth Alves, Vice President of Internal Audit and Risk Management, who is responsible for the Corporate Social Responsibility function at Cogeco. “This is in line with our objective to manage our electronic waste with the highest environmental and security standards.”
Technology donations received from the public sector, and from companies such as Cogeco help CFS achieve its sustainable environmental, social and economic impacts.
About the CFS program
Computers for Schools is a national program that refurbishes devices donated from government, private business and individuals for use by schools, libraries, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and eligible low-income individuals.
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’s digital inclusion and economic development programs. CFSC-OPEC’s services stand in four pillars - marketing and communications, partnership development, strategic planning, and project management.
Contact
Julie Brouard
Manager, Communications & Partnerships
Computers for Success – Canada Inc.
julie.brouard@cfsc-opec.org
514 793 8073