August 24, 2011 – The Welland Tribute writes about the success of the RCTech OUTREACH program launched at RCT to help low-income learners get access to quality, refurbished technology. 

WELLAND – Preparing to go back to school can be both exciting and expensive.

Purchasing items for the new school year, including new technology, is a luxury that not all parents can afford.

But for low-income families hoping to acquire a home computer, Renewed Computer Technology is there to help.

Through its outreach program, the non-profit charity provides low-income individuals and their families with renewed computers to help meet their educational and career goals. Recipients or their children must be enrolled in a skill development, learning or academic program to be eligible.

What began as a pilot program a year ago has now fully launched and people are encouraged to apply, said RCT`s Welland centre manager, Dave Wakeling.

“We want to help people help themselves,” he said.

Application forms can be filled out at www.rcto.ca.

Applying online may be difficult for those people without access to a home computer, Wakeling said, but he encouraged residents to use Internet services at their local library.

People out purchasing new computers for the upcoming school year can also help those in the community by bringing their old technology in to RTC, 129 Hagar St. Unit 11B.

Computers are refurbished then distributed to schools, libraries and registered not-for-profit learning organizations.

Donating unwanted technology keeps it out of the landfill, from collecting dust in the basement, and even benefits local families, Wakeling said.

The centre is especially in need of LCD monitors and laptops, which are in high demand for local schools, but many other technology donations are also accepted.

Unfortunately, the “demand exceeds the supply,” Wakeling said, hoping more donations will be made by local residents and businesses.

RCT will be hosting an E-Round Up at its Welland location in October, though the date has yet to be determined. Excess electronic equipment can be dropped off and whatever cannot be reused will be recycled through the Ontario Ministry of Environment`s WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) program. As an approved Ontario Electronic Stewardship partner, RCT ensures all sensitive personal data is destroyed before items are recycled. View full article here.