March 14 2016 – Toronto, ON
Renewed Computer Technology (RCT) is pleased to share that the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development has announced Canada’s investment to provide computers for Syrian Families as part of the National #WelcomeRefugees initiative through Computers for Success Canada (CFSC).
Through Computers for Success Canada (CFSC), RCT will provide a free refurbished laptop to Syrian Families landing in Ontario until December 31st 2016 on a first come first served basis. RCT, operating the Computers for Schools program in Ontario, has already begun to distribute laptops across the province by partnering with refugee resettlement organizations and School Boards who work directly with Syrian Families.
“RCT has already forged 9 partnerships and over 500 laptops are committed to Syrian Families that have arrived in Canada”, said Shauna L. McCaffrey, RCT’s Executive Director. “We are hoping to empower each family as they arrive by equipping them with pre-loaded digital modules such as job search, interviews tips as well as technical skills for setting up a wireless network or learning the software provided on their laptop.”
Honourable Minister Navdeep Bains delivers laptop to Syrian familiy amidst partners for #WelcomeRefugees Project
RCT will continue to provide support with a one year limited parts and labour depot warranty from the date the laptop is received by the family. Each computer will come loaded with Windows Operating System, Microsoft Office Suite and skill development software to equip them with everything they need to utilize the computer to its full potential.
RCT is dedicated to providing affordable computers in communities across Ontario to empower all low-income learners through its RCTech OUTREACH program. For over 20 years RCT has been operating the Computers for Schools program, using donations and government funding to refurbish, reuse, and recycle technology. RCT’s primary mission is to make technology accessible to students, educators, and not-for-profit organizations.
For more information on how to receive computers through the #WelcomeRefugees project and for a complete list of Frequently Asked Questions please visit http://www.rcto.ca/initiatives.
CFSC: For more information on this investment on a national level visit https://cfsc-opec.org
See below for media release or click here to access PDF.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
March 14, 2016 – Toronto, ON – Today the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development announced Canada’s investment to provide computers to Syrian Families as part of the National #WelcomeRefugees initiative through Computers for Success Canada (CFSC).
Renewed Computer Technology (RCT) is a key CFSC partner in Ontario and will provide an estimated 2,700 free renewed laptops to Syrian Families by the end of December 2016.
RCT, operating the Computers for Schools program in Ontario, has already begun to distribute laptops across the province by partnering with refugee resettlement organizations and School Boards who work directly with Syrian Families.
“RCT has already forged 9 partnerships and over 500 laptops are committed to Syrian Families that have arrived in Canada”, said Shauna L. McCaffrey, RCT’s Executive Director. “We are hoping to empower each family as they arrive by equipping them with pre-loaded digital modules such as job search, interviews tips as well as technical skills for setting up a wireless network or learning the software provided on their laptop.”
CFSC’s technological component of the #WelcomeRefugees program is geared to becoming an important asset to each community served. Whether the computers are used for school, research, accessing needed online resources, skill development, or connecting with friends and family, it is sure to make the transition to a new home an easier one.
“CFSC is proud to be working in collaboration with RCT in the delivery of the longstanding CFS program in Ontario,” said Toby Harper-Merrett, Executive Director of CFSC. “This new initiative aimed at Syrian refugees is a wonderful example of the Government of Canada’s investment in social and economic development of all Canadians, especially the most vulnerable ones.”
Organizations wishing to support the #WelcomeRefugees initiative in Ontario can express their interest online. High end laptop donations, delivery of computers to our partners as well as being a central location to distribute the laptops to the Syrian Families will be needed.
Media Contact:
Shauna L. McCaffrey, MBA
Executive Director
Renewed Computer Technology
T: 905-795 5387
E: [email protected]
About RCT:
Renewed Computer Technology is a social enterprise that delivers social, economic & environmental benefits. RCT provides renewed information & communication technology to learners, offers workplace skills & training opportunities for youth and enable organizations to realize their social responsibility programs. RCT expands minds by extending technology. For more information, visit: RCTO.ca and follow us on Twittter @RCTontario.
RCT’s #WelcomeRefugee Project in Ontario:
RCT is supporting this initiative through its Computers for Schools Ontario & RCTech OUTREACH programs. To find out how to become a partner and to order free computers for Syrian Refugee families, please visit: RCTO.ca/Initiatives.