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By Veronica Beltran

technology for most vulnerable

London Drugs and BC Technology Learning Society support vulnerable students amidst pandemic

Aug 7, 2020 | 4:00 AM

RICHMOND—London Drugs is teaming up with BC Technology Learning Society and they want your gently used electronics.

The duo is asking British Columbians to come together and donate their gently-used laptops, computers, monitors and keyboards that can be restored and given to students across the province who may not have access to electronics at home. According to the Province an average of 23,000 students, between March to June 2020, received technology loans in order to work from home amidst the pandemic.

“Whether there will be a need for some kind of hybrid remote learning in the Fall or not, the fact 23,000 or more students needed to borrow computer equipment in June speaks to the need to provide permanent technological devices so these children can have the same learning tools as their peers, and be prepared to work remotely if necessary in the coming school year.”—Mary-Em Waddington, Executive Director, BC Technology Learning Society

“We have the capability to operate at a capacity to refurbish and restore thousands of computers thanks to our staff and volunteers and so we ask British Columbians to round up their old devices, bring them into London Drugs in August and September and we will match that device with a child who needs it,” added Waddington.

81 London Drugs stores in Western Canada will be accepting used computers as part of the initiative. Individuals are able to simply drop their devices at the TECH Service Desk at London Drugs and technicians will conduct a complete data wipe prior to it being restored. Devices being donated cannot be cracked and must still have their power cord.

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“We have been working for 27 years in British Columbia to try and improve the digital divide and hopefully with awareness of this Tech Drive with London Drugs, more people will understand this is a need that exists in our community and there is an opportunity to help. Donating your old technical devices is an easy, inexpensive way to greatly support disadvantaged children and youth stay connected to their schools and improve overall learning.”—Mary-Em Waddington, Executive Director, BC Technology Learning Society

Laptops are the most in demand, along with desktops, however, tablets and mobile phones are also being collected.