Calgary charitable organization downloads technology for change

Electronic Recycling Association provides Catholic Family Service with 30 additional computers

CALGARY, Oct. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Bojan Paduh, Founder and President of the Electronic Recycling Association (ERA), announced today that the ERA has donated an additional 30 complete computer systems to Catholic Family Service, bringing the annual total to 54. The computers provided in this donation will go to support Catholic Family Service's Never Too Late program.

"We are proud to be a trusted partner of Catholic Family Service," said Paduh. "We are very happy to see this donation going to individuals who are working toward a GED, a great accomplishment in itself and something that would be virtually impossible without a computer," he added. "The Never Too Late program run by CFS is an excellent example of the type of initiative the ERA strives to support."

"This is a very timely donation," says Patricia Jones, CEO of Catholic Family Service. "In January 2015, the Alberta GED examination process transitions from paper to online completion. The computers will be used to build computer literacy for students registered in the program."

The Never Too Late Program is a community-based GED (high school equivalent) completion program for low-income adults who did not complete high school. Graduates of the Never Too Late Program experience less poverty and a greater connection to their community. A recent 5-year retrospective study found:

• 56% reduction in accessing the food bank.
• 36% of parents were more comfortable helping their children with school work.
• 35% of participants influenced another family member or friend to register in NTL for their GED.

About the Electronics Recycling Association
Established in 2004, the ERA is a non-profit organization directed to reduce the environmental impact of improperly discarded toxic electronic waste by offering accessible services to help corporations and individuals manage their retiring IT assets. With reuse being the ERA's top priority, every item that is received is examined for any remaining productive life and refurbished for reuse. True end of life items are transferred to accredited recyclers where a nil landfill contribution can be assured. The ERA is committed to supporting local charities and individuals in need through the provision of electronic equipment.

About Catholic Family Service
Founded in 1957, Catholic Family Service (CFS) is a charitable organization serving individuals and families in need within the Calgary community. We offer 15 distinct, affordable and innovative programs for children, adults, and families of all faiths and cultures. Our services are often woven into the communities where our clients live, work, and go to school and include counselling, community outreach, volunteerism and education. Our objective is vulnerable Calgarians thrive. 

SOURCE: Electronic Recycling Association

Media Contacts: Kristi Gartner, Electronic Recycling Association, Tel: [phone] ext. 104, Email: [email protected]; Patricia Jones, Catholic Family Service, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]