Bridging the technology gap…

Two not-for profit organizations come together to provide Mennonite children with refurbished computers

WINDSOR, ON, Dec. 10 /CNW/ - Computers for Kids and New Canadians' Centre of Excellence Inc. are partnering to improve education levels and reduce poverty levels of at-risk youth within their community. On December 13^th at 10:30AM they will hold a placement of computers to 14 Mennonite families in Leamington, Ontario. This will be held at New Canadians' Centre of Excellence, located at 24 Oak St E in Leamington, Ontario. Families will be present to receive their refurbished computer system.

In this age of increasing electronic technology, developing computer skills at an early age has become necessary for successful transition into working life. The use of a computer can empower any student with a powerful tool which can greatly improve their homework assignments, research projects and ultimately their education level. Computers for Kids takes aim at turning children of families with economic barriers into success stories of the future.

On a daily basis NCCE inc. Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) assist newcomer families, children and youth with orientation and participation in schools as well as local community programs. 

NCCE Inc. SWIS staff is multi-lingual, ethno culturally diverse and professionally organized in assisting newcomers make informed decisions that contribute to their successful integration into Canadian life.

Computers for Kids relies on computer donations from local area businesses and residents to fulfill referrals received from social organizations and schools. "I would like to thank the many donors we have, both commercial and residential, for their support," said Chris Davies, Computers for Kids executive director. "By choosing to donate your computers and electronics to us you have enabled us to continue offering this valuable service to our community."

Donated equipment is evaluated by trained staff and volunteers who then repair and refurbish as many systems as possible. This year over 700 computers were refurbished for designated placements in which over 1,000 children reaped benefits.

In order to continue to meet the high demand in their area increased equipment donations are necessary. Products which are accepted include desktop and laptop computers; peripherals such as mice, keyboards and disk drives; monitors; televisions; desktop printers and fax machines. Even non-functional items are found useful as Computers for Kids operates a recycling program which helps raise funds for their mission. To drop off your items visit Computers for Kids anytime between 9:00AM-6:00PM Monday through Friday or 9:00AM-3:00PM on Saturday. They are located at 4150 Sandwich in Windsor, Ontario. 

About Computers for Kids:

Computers for Kids was founded in March of 2004 with the vision of providing refurbished computer systems to children who may not otherwise have the chance to own one. Since then, the organization has helped one child at a time, growing to provide public computer learning centres as well as becoming a full service computer and electronics recycler. With the generous support and hard work of our many donors and volunteers, Computers for Kids has been able to open over 40 computer labs throughout Windsor/Essex County, recycle over 2 million pounds of e-waste and donate over 1,000 computers to date.

About New Canadians' Centre of Excellence Inc:

NCCE Inc. is a community-based, multi service delivery organization with the mandate to assist, support and promote the full and equitable participation of immigrants and refugees in all aspects of social, cultural and economic life in the Windsor-Essex region.

For further information:

Rob McLean, President				Iole Iadipaolo, SWIS Manager
CAW Local 200 Computers for Kids				New Canadians' Centre of Excellence Inc.
519-253-KIDS (5437)				519-258-4076
www.cfkcanada.org				http://www.ncce1.org/