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Partnership aims to bridge digital divide
The Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Kootenay Computers, has launched a program to help bridge the digital divide for families in the community that are unable to obtain a home computer.
The concept was born out of a computer upgrade project at the chamber.
“We had contracted Kootenay Computers to provide all new computer equipment this spring,” said Chamber Executive Director David D. Hull. Sebastiaan van der Horst, from Kootenay Computer, suggested instead of recycling the old equipment he would refurbish and donate them to new families arriving in the area from Syria.
“After the first four computers were ready to go I suggested to David that we expand the program,” said Van der Horst.
The program has now become a tripartite arrangement. The chamber will work with the business community collecting old computers, monitors and peripherals. Kootenay Computer has committed to refurbishing a minimum of 50 computers per year. The Salvation Army will be the connection to the community ensuring that the equipment goes to where it will be most beneficial.
Hull said this program is committed to helping as many as possible. “The digital divide is very real in Cranbrook. Considering regular access to a personal computer as a non-essential luxury is a thing of the past. We are committed to fostering an equitable community where the inability to purchase computer equipment limits opportunities or sustained success.”
Even basic activities now require the use of a computer; applying for a job, completing school work, staying in touch with family or even something as simple as looking up a bus route is difficult without a computer.
“We believe all residents of Cranbrook have the right to equal opportunities and we are doing what we can to lessen the ‘digital divide’. This initiative will bring access to computer technology to over 50 households in Cranbrook per year,” Hull said.
Kootenay Computer is a certified Microsoft Refurbished PC program partner. “We are proud of our efforts to help create and foster the foundations for enhanced learning and economic opportunities,” said Van der Horst. “The successes and benefits gained by the simple concept of access to affordable technology provided by refurbished computers will be tremendous.”
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