That dusty old laptop in the corner might seem like clutter but for thousands of British Columbians, it could mean everything. It could be first step toward applying for a job, helping a child attend school or staying connected in a world that increasingly exists online.
Enter the BC Technology for Learning Society, a registered charity that operates Computers for Schools Plus, a Government of Canada program. Since 1994, the group has redistributed more than 200,000 computers across the province, contributing to two million computers distributed Canada-wide.
In a year marked by rising living costs, limited access to technology and growing demand for community services are putting more people are at risk of being left behind, making programs like these critical.
The Computers for Schools Plus program represents a sustainable way for companies to pass on their gently used technology, which is then refurbished and reused by non-profits, schools and low-income families in British Columbia.
“By distributing computers at little or no cost, we enable the development of digital skills, providing Canadians with education and skills-building opportunities," says Mary-Em Waddington, executive director of BC Technology for Learning Society.
Honouring tech donors
This society’s annual Donor Recognition Awards recently recognized five donors who have contributed to its success and to the impacts made in addressing the digital divide across the province.
The Environmental Sustainability Award was presented to TeeKay Shipping in recognition of the company’s 27 years’ worth of IT refreshes that have allowed devices to be cherished for years beyond the corporate lifecycle.
“Giving back to the communities around us has always been part of who we are at Teekay. We're proud to contribute through BC Tech for Learning and help create a lasting difference through technology and education,” says Matt Smith, director of infrastructure and cybersecurity at Teekay.
Awarded to YVR, the Connecting Canadians distinction recognized the 277 laptops and 266 desktops donated by the airport authority since 2021.
“We are honoured to receive the Connecting Canadians Award from the BC Technology for Learning Society, recognizing the meaningful work of our Lost and Found team,” says Stephanie Sander, YVR’s director, guest experience. “As part of YVR’s broader guest experience portfolio, this team exemplifies our commitment to service, innovation and community.”
The Everyday Impact Award was given to Deloitte Canada for its participation in Microsoft’s CEO Pledge, which supported the Khalsa School in Surrey, North Shore Women’s Centre, Burnaby Neighbourhood House and Options Community Services.
Emily Carr University received the Partners In Education award for its donations of MacBooks, computers, monitors and printers. As Waddington noted, this award recognizes post-secondary institutions that donate and directly support education in B.C. through their contributions. Finally, the Canada Revenue Agency accepted the Give Where You Live distinction to highlight the federal government’s more than 30-year participation in the Computers for Schools Plus program. The federal government is the primary funder and donor to the program and contributed to the distribution of the 8,000 devices in 2024.
With government and charitable funding stretched thin across the country, support from the business community is crucial to sustaining the work of non-profits. Beyond the Computers for Schools Plus program, the society also proudly spearheads the Give Back program, which supports B.C. tech firms in onboarding new donors and covering its fixed costs.
“We offer multiple ways in which companies can further support our mission, including making a tech donation, hosting a tech drive, including BC Tech for Learning as a charity of choice, championing our story through digital platforms or sponsoring an event,” Waddington says. “We are excited to explore new partnership opportunities and encourage organizations to get in touch.”
Visit www.reusetechbc.ca to donate, get involved or explore partnership opportunities.
