With students heading back to school in a few short weeks, a Richmond-based retailer once again is working to bridge the digital learning gap.
London Drugs announced the return of its Tech Drive on Friday, as the company partners with Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+), a federal program that collects donated computers, and trains youth to refurbish them.
The refurbished tech is then donated to schools, nonprofits, libraries, First Nations groups and students.
“Last year London Drugs provided over 200 computers to students across Western Canada through our inaugural Tech Drive event,” said Nick Curalli, London Drugs vice-president of technology solutions, in a statement.
He noted that London Drugs has been recycling customers' electronic devices for decades, some of which have still been in working order.
“Last year we discovered that not every family had access to necessary technology tools. By partnering with Computers for Schools Plus we were able to bring used but functional computers to families in need. With more students returning to the classroom in person this year, we anticipate and hope to support an ongoing need for families to have access to technology for their schoolwork.”
According to London Drugs, while laptops are the most in-demand, desktops, tablets and mobile phones will also be accepted.
However, donated devices do face some criteria. For example, screens can’t be cracked and power cords must be included.
Devices that don’t meet the criteria will be recycled through London Drugs’ What’s the Green Deal program.
London Drugs stores across B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba will be accepting used computers as part of the Tech Drive and working with CFS+ affiliates in those provinces to restore and distribute them.
Those charity partner companies are BC Technology for Learning, Computers for Schools Alberta, Computers for Schools delivered by Saskatchewan Technology Renewal Inc. and Computers for Schools Manitoba.
Families and students in need of the tech can apply directly through the appropriate CFS+ affiliate.
Devices to be donated can be dropped off at the London Drugs tech service desk and technicians will conduct a complete data wipe before the devices are restored.
